The NFL is looking into potential tampering by the Philadelphia Eagles in their signing of former Giants star running back, Saquon Barkley, according to a report by ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Thursday.
Philadelphia inked Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million deal which could increase to $46.75 million if he hits certain incentives. He is guaranteed at least $26 million.
Reports of his signing came early during the NFL’s first day of legal tampering on Monday, two days before the official start of the league’s new year. But allegations are suggesting that Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman illegally contacted Barkley during that 52-hour period opened.
Teams are allowed to speak directly to player agents during the window, but not to the players themselves.
Penn State head coach James Franklin inadvertently raised concern when he suggested that Roseman reached out to Barkley, a Penn State alum.
“He said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch,” Franklin said (h/t Mark Wogenrich, SI.com). “Not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that that but also the connection with Penn State and the fan base as well. So just a really cool opportunity.”
The Eagles have denied such allegations.
While illegal if true, it would not have done much to alter the future of Barkley with the Giants. General manager Joe Schoen reportedly did not even offer him a contract this offseason despite the two sides speaking at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis at the end of February.
The Eagles would be docked a draft pick if it is found that they tampered.
For more on Saquon Barkley, visit AMNY.com
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