Roger Goodell and the NFL league office are reportedly expected to make their ruling on the pending tampering cases against the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons as early as this week.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, sources close to the situation say that a resolution for both franchises is likely to come within the next seven days.
The Falcons were investigated for the contact they allegedly made with free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins before he signed with the team. While the Eagles were looked into for their potentially illegal contact with free agent running back Saquon Barkley.
Per the NFL insider: “One league source indicated that the Falcons’ alleged transgressions are considered more significant, and the discipline is expected to be more severe for Atlanta.”
The National Football League has come down pretty hard on its teams for tampering in the past.
Most recently, the Miami Dolphins were forced to forfeit last year’s first-round pick and this year’s third-round selection for tampering with Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton on several occasions over the course of a three-year period. Dolphins ownership also drew a hefty fine of over $1 million.
We’ll see what the Shield ultimately decides to do over the next 24 to 168 hours.