I think the Falcons get hammered if it shows tampering prior to the window.
The idea that Cousins was leaving for sure is nothing more than a guess. It doesn’t actually matter in regards to the rules, but all of you claiming that are just guessing. We don’t know what the Vikings offered either. Cousins doesn’t know what free agency may bring, but if they tampered he knew exactly what would be offered. It doesn’t actually matter what he or the Vikings were “going to do”, but all I’m reading from many is pure speculation.
I think it’s super naive to expect a slap on the wrist here if they indeed had contact with him before the window opened.
I don’t think many fans understand just what was lost from a competitive standpoint. The team lost their franchise QB, a perennial top 10 player at the position. That isn’t all they lost though. They now will burn premium draft capital trying to replace him. Those draft picks(s) could have been elite prospects at other positions of need. It negatively impacts their ability to trade for more picks down the road. The damage is extensive.
Had the Vikings been able to keep Cousins, after Hunter left they could have made all of the signings on the defense they’ve made. They then could have picked an elite defensive or offensive prospect at 11 and 23. The team could have been exactly what it is right now with Cousins as QB, AND been adding 2 first round picks in a couple of weeks!