The 2024 NFL season is still six months away, and already we have drama between division rivals.
The Philadelphia Eagles on Wednesday announced their three-year, $37.75 million deal with former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. But did Philly violate NFL tampering rules before signing the Pennsylvania native?
What Are NFL Tampering Rules?
NFL free agency officially started at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, when teams were able to finalize contracts with free agents. However, the unofficial start of free agency was at noon on Monday, the beginning of the 52-hour legal tampering period. This is the standard setup every year.
During the legal tampering period, teams can speak either directly to pending free agents not represented by NFL-certified agencies or to agents who represent players set to become unrestricted free agents.
Barkley is represented by an agency, meaning the Eagles would’ve been barred from speaking directly with him before 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Barkley’s agreement with Philly was reported on Monday — which is fine, so long as he agreed to the terms through his agent. But did he engage in impermissible contact with the Eagles during the 52-hour legal tampering period?
James Franklin Suggests Eagles Illegally Tampered with Saquon Barkley
James Franklin coached Barkley at Penn State. And he spoke about his former player during a spring practice news conference on Tuesday.
At one point, Franklin seemingly revealed that Barkley spoke with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during the legal tampering period, which would’ve been a violation of NFL rules.
“A Pennsylvania kid who chose to stay home and come to Penn State,” Franklin said of Barkley, who was a star with the Nittany Lions.
“… But for him now to come back and be able to play within the state in Philadelphia, he said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him was not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that, but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan bases as well.”
It’s possible that Franklin misspoke. But his comments nevertheless caused a stir in both the New York and Philadelphia media markets.
Eagles Deny Tampering With Saquon Barkley
ESPN’s Tim McManus provided an update on the situation Tuesday evening.
McManus reached out to the Eagles, who denied violating NFL tampering rules. A team spokesman told McManus he was unaware of any contact between the NFL and the Eagles about potential rule violations.
As of Tuesday night, the Giants hadn’t reached out to the league about the matter, according to McManus. The NFL declined to comment.
KEEP READING: Jason Kelce Jokingly Regrets Retirement With Saquon Barkley Joining Eagles
Again, it’s possible that Franklin simply was sloppy with his wording. And it doesn’t sound like there’s much concern among any of the parties involved.
But things can change, and this story will be worth monitoring in the days ahead.
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