Potential NFL Tampering Penalties Against Falcons Could Benefit Bears

The NFL is currently probing potential tampering violations involving the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons concerning Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley, respectively, before the official free agency period commenced.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday that the league might announce penalties for both teams as early as this week, with sources suggesting that the Falcons may face more stringent consequences.

Should the NFL enforce tampering sanctions before the 2024 NFL Draft, it could advantageously position the Chicago Bears, who possess two first-round selections. Their second pick trails the Falcons by just one slot at No. 8.

Historically, the NFL has imposed significant tampering fines, such as in 2015 when the Kansas City Chiefs lost a third-round pick in 2016 and a sixth-rounder in 2017 for engaging with Jeremy Maclin prematurely. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins forfeited their 2023 first-round pick due to repeated tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.


Although it's unlikely that Atlanta will lose its first-round selection entirely, the league might still penalize them by moving their No. 8 pick to No. 32, effectively imposing a 21-spot penalty for tampering. Such a measure would deter similar infractions and reflect the seriousness of their actions.

Should this penalty materialize, the Bears would ascend to a more favorable draft position, potentially securing a top prospect like one of the leading three receivers or left tackle Joe Alt. With quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy expected to dominate the early selections, the Bears could benefit significantly if any of the teams ahead, including the Cardinals, Chargers, Titans, Giants, and Falcons, opt for a defensive player. This could allow talents like Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, or Alt to be available for the Bears, ensuring a high-impact selection in their draft strategy.