Eagles could soon face consequences for potential illegal tampering incident
The NFL opened an investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles for illegal tampering after they signed running back Saquon Barkley back in March. The Eagles were able to dodge any form of punishment ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they may be forced to finally face possible consequences as soon as […]
The NFL opened an investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles for illegal tampering after they signed running back Saquon Barkley back in March.
The Eagles were able to dodge any form of punishment ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, but according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they may be forced to finally face possible consequences as soon as this week.
Thanks, James Franklin
The report that the league would investigate Philly came after Barkley's former Penn State head coach, James Franklin, made a comment that sounded like the Eagles could have contacted Barkley before the legal tampering period began on March 11:
"For him [Barkley] now to come back and be able to play within the state, 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. Not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan base as well."
The NFL prohibits teams from making direct contact with players (unless they do not have an agent) during the legal tampering window, which started at noon ET Monday and ended at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
Barkley attempted to clear up those allegations during his introductory press conference with the Eagles, saying that it was all a misunderstanding:
"Coach (James) Franklin, I think he misinterpreted it. The truth was to sell basically Penn State. So many Penn State fans are Philadelphia Eagles fans, but that was through my agent. My agent told me that."
If the league does find any evidence that the Eagles are guilty of illegal tampering, then there's a chance that they could face a hefty fine or lose out on future draft capital.
The Eagles might not be alone in facing potential punishment this week, because as Schefter reported, the Atlanta Falcons are also being investigated for illegal tampering after signing Kirk Cousins.
