ORLANDO, Fla. – Falcons owner Arthur Blank, in his first comments to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution since the signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins, denied that the team tampered in violation of league rules.

“The tampering deal, we obviously don’t believe we tampered,” Blank said while leaving a meeting on Monday. “We shared all of the information with the league. They’ll review the process and the facts. They are in the middle of doing that. Whatever the result is, we’ll deal with it.”

The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year contract worth up to $180 million on March 13. The NFL is reviewing the signing for possible tampering violations.

The Falcons initially issued a statement that said, “Due to the NFL’s review, we are unable to provide information or have additional comment.”

Blank is the first team official to comment on the matter.

The Falcons were eager to sign the veteran quarterback after not making the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year. He is slated to replace Desmond Ridder.

Cousins has played 12 years in the NFL with the Commanders and the Vikings.

“Obviously, our football folks felt strongly,” Blank said. “Our fans are definitely eager to concur with that.”

The Eagles are also being investigated for alleged tampering in the signing of running back Saquon Barkley. They have also denied any violations.

Tampering violations are considered serious by the league.

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