Eagles deny violating tampering rule with Saquon Barkley

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have denied impermissible contact between basic supervisor Howie Roseman and working again Saquon Barkley in the course of the negotiating window earlier than the beginning of free company.

Barkley, a Penn State alum and Pennsylvania native, agreed to phrases with the Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that features $26 million totally assured at signing. His former coach at Penn State, James Franklin, urged Roseman spoke to Barkley straight in the course of the “authorized tampering” interval, which isn’t allowed.

Mentioned Franklin: “For him now to return again and be capable of play throughout the state, in Philadelphia, he mentioned that was one of many first issues that Howie mentioned to him on the cellphone as a part of his gross sales pitch to him was not solely the Philadelphia Eagles and that however clearly the reference to Penn State and the fan base as properly.”

Groups usually are not allowed to speak on to gamers in the course of the negotiating window until the participant represents himself. An Eagles spokesperson mentioned that each one recruiting executed by the crew is facilitated by way of the agent.

The NFL declined to touch upon whether or not it’s investigating doable impermissible contact. An Eagles spokesperson mentioned he was unaware of any communication from the league to the crew on the topic as of Wednesday night.

The New York Giants haven’t reached out to the league in regards to the matter, based on a supply.

Barkley, 27, has starred for the Giants over the previous six seasons since being chosen with the second total choose in 2018, racking up over 7,300 all-purpose yards and 47 touchdowns. A two-time Professional Bowler, Barkley rushed for 962 yards in 14 video games final season.

New York positioned the franchise tag on Barkley final offseason however declined to take action this yr. In keeping with a supply, the Giants didn’t make a contract provide to Barkley this offseason. Moreover the Eagles, the 2 groups with the strongest curiosity in Barkley have been the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, a supply mentioned.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan and Dan Graziano contributed to this report