THE Kansas City Chiefs could be hit with punishment from the NFL for illegal tampering ahead of free agency.
The Chiefs and two other NFL teams have been recently accused of the violation with a star rival player.
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On March 11, two days before free agency officially began, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley opted to return to the Baltimore Ravens, signing a three-year, $60 million deal.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealed during a TV appearance for NBC Sports Boston that the Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots sent offers to Stanley – all three over $20 million annually.
However, the three teams have been accused of connecting with Stanely and his agency while he was still under contract with the Ravens.
“Kansas City was right there with them,” Breer said alongside NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry. “So Kansas City and Baltimore were both at around [$20 million annually].
“Washington and New England were both over [$24 million annually].
“I’m not sure how far they went.
“Obviously this stuff was spoken about conceptually, I guess this is the best way to put it. Some free agency may have happened over the weekend.”
Perry then directed his attention to Breer’s claim, writing, “This may have been illegal tampering.”
It’s not known when the Chiefs, Commanders, and Patriots started to negotiate with Stanley’s agent, Kim Miale of Roc Nation Sports.
Any communication before noon Eastern on Monday would be considered a violation of NFL tampering rules.
Teams are only allowed to speak with the representatives of other teams’ free agents from Monday afternoon on before the signing period officially begins on Wednesday at 4:00 pm Eastern.
Last year, the NFL stripped the Atlanta Falcons of a fifth-round pick for tampering over their negotiating process to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and tight end Charlie Woerner.
In 2022, the Miami Dolphins got hit with a brutal punishment for tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton.
The franchise was fined $1.5 million and lost a first-round pick and another draft pick in 2023.
The NFL hasn’t addressed the accusation regarding the Chiefs, Commanders, and Patriots.
The Chiefs would “pivot” after missing out on Stanley, per The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, as they signed former San Francisco 49ers backup offensive lineman Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $20 million deal.
The 26-year-old has 12 career starts – five of those coming from last season.
Kansas City had interest in getting Patrick Mahomes a blindside protector after a revolving door at left tackle in 2024.
