NFL clears Philadelphia Eagles of tampering allegation on Saquon Barkley signing

On Thursday, the NFL revealed that an investigation into the Philadelphia Eagles’ signing of running back Saquon Barkley yielded insufficient evidence of tampering. The league launched an investigation into a violation of the Anti-Tampering Policy following Barkley’s signing on a new three-year deal with the Eagles.

For the investigation, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to the Philadelphia Eagles’ free agency period. The NFL also conducted interviews with several members of the Eagles organization, including general manager Howie Roseman, head coach Nick Sirianni and Barkley. Penn State head coach James Franklin also sat for an interview.

The league maintains the right to reopen the investigation into potential tampering should new evidence surface in the future. The former first-rounder left the Giants for the NFC East rivals on a contract that will pay him $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed.

The second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Barkley was a dominant force for the New York Giants from the time he entered the league. That included being the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018 and going to two Pro Bowls.

Last season, Barkley rushed for 962 yards in 14 games with six touchdowns. He also had 41 receptions for 280 yards and four touchdowns.

Falcons docked draft pick for violating NFL policy

Barkley’s new deal with the Eagles is not the only signing under the microscope this offseason. The NFL also launched an investigation into the Atlanta Falcons’ signing of quarterback Kirk Cousins. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the league has found sufficient evidence of tampering. The violation now results in the NFL docking the Falcons a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. Atlanta is also receiving a fine of $250,000, while general manager Terry Fontenot now owes $50,000.

Despite the loss of draft pick and the fines, the league claims the Falcons’ violations pertain to the team making travel arrangements for players after they agreed to terms but had not yet signed. It did not find the Falcons guilty of making contact with Cousins before the negotiation window began in March.

Cousins downplayed any potential for the league to come back with a substantiated charge of tampering when he discussed it this offseason. He signed a four-year deal worth up to $180 million with $100 million guaranteed hours after free agency officially opened.

“The league’s still kind of going through that so I’ll let them do it. But there’s not a whole lot there,” Cousins said.