Blank: Falcons didn't break NFL tampering rules to sign Cousins

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank insists that his team didn't break league rules while pursuing quarterback Kirk Cousins during free agency.

The NFL is investigating whether or not the Falcons violated league rules when they signed Cousins earlier this month. It's also probing the Philadelphia Eagles' agreement with Saquon Barkley for potential tampering.

"I know there was no tampering from our standpoint," Blank said, according to USA Today's Jarrett Bell. "Whatever conversation there was was very innocent. We'll see. Whatever the league decides, we'll deal with it."

The examination comes after Cousins, who's rehabbing a torn Achilles that ended his 2023 campaign, revealed that he spoke with the team's trainer and head of public relations a day before the start of free agency. NFL rules allow agents to meet with teams during the two-day negotiation window, but players are not eligible to speak to team officials during what's also known as the legal tampering period.

Cousins was one of the most coveted free agents before the Falcons handed him a four-year, $180-million deal, which includes $100 million in guaranteed money. The four-time Pro Bowler spent the previous six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

"There was nothing intentional," Blank said. "Minnesota understands that. The player understands that."

The Falcons have reshaped their roster ahead of their first season under head coach Raheem Morris. Former starting quarterback Desmond Ridder was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason, so Cousins is expected to lead an offense that features young starters such as Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson.