Tampering in the NFL has long been a controversial issue, with the league implementing strict rules to prevent teams from negotiating with players before the official free agency window opens. This season, teams were allowed to begin talks with free agents on March 10, two days before signings could be made official on March 12. However, some teams have been accused of violating these rules by contacting players earlier than allowed. Violations can have serious consequences, including fines, the loss of draft picks and even suspensions for team executives. Recent examples include the Miami Dolphins, who forfeited a first-round pick in 2022 for their unauthorized pursuit of Tom Brady and Sean Payton, and the Atlanta Falcons, who lost a fifth-round pick in 2023 for early negotiations with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who played just 14 games last season and is now the backup to Michael Penix Jr.
Chiefs and Two Other Teams Under Investigation
The Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders and New England Patriots could face serious consequences after reportedly engaging in premature negotiations with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley before the start of the legal tampering period. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, all three teams allegedly offered Stanley a contract that matched the Baltimore Ravens’ three-year, $60 million deal before he ultimately decided to stay in Baltimore. Washington and New England were even rumored to have offered more than what he signed for. If true, this could lead to draft pick forfeitures and fines similar to past tampering cases.
It becomes clearer that they tried when you see that the Chiefs ended up signing left tackle Jaylon Moore as a free agent before the Commanders traded for All-Pro tackle Laremy Tunsil. Since then, the Patriots have also made a move at the position, bringing in former Jets tackle Morgan Moses. So I think it’s pretty clear, but they remain innocent until proven guilty.
Strengthening the offensive line was a top priority for the Chiefs, especially after their struggles in Super Bowl 59, where they were overwhelmed by the Philadelphia Eagles‘ dominant defensive front. This was reminiscent of their Super Bowl 55 loss to Tom Brady’s Buccaneers, where their offensive line was exposed as a major weakness. That loss led to a complete overhaul of the line in the following offseason, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kansas City take a similar approach this time around.
Chiefs’ Free Agency Moves So Far
Despite the tampering allegations, the Chiefs have been active in retaining key offensive pieces. They secured contract extensions for their top free agents on offense, while also addressing their receiving corps. A major priority for Kansas City is staying healthy, as injuries plagued them throughout last season. Wide receiver Rashee Rice, who set a postseason record with 26 receptions as a rookie, missed significant time but is expected to form a dangerous duo with fellow young star Xavier Worthy. Worthy made history as the first rookie to record multiple touchdown receptions in a Super Bowl, finishing with eight catches for 157 yards and two scores in the Chiefs’ loss in Super Bowl 59.
Additionally, Kansas City re-signed Hollywood Brown, another key piece who missed most of last season due to injury. With Travis Kelce potentially entering his final season, a fully healthy supporting cast should allow Patrick Mahomes to rebound from one of his least productive statistical years. If their offensive weapons stay on the field, the Chiefs offense could once again be one of the most feared units in the league in 2025.
Read the full article here
