The Philadelphia Eagles have denied allegations that they spoke directly to running back Saquon Barkley during the “legal tampering” window.
The window, which this year was noon on Monday, March 11 through 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, allows teams to negotiate with agents and representatives of pending free agents, not the players themselves.
Teams can negotiate directly with a player only if the player has no representation and is representing himself.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk recaps the alleged situation, which Mark Wogenrich of Sports Illustrated revealed after speaking with Penn State head coach James Franklin.
From Mark Wogenrich of SI.com, Penn State coach James Franklin intimated on Tuesday that Roseman directly spoke to Barkley as part of the recruiting process, which focused on the proximity of Philadelphia to Penn State, where Barkley played college football.
“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, via Wogenrich. “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.”
Barkley agreed to a three-year deal worth as much as $37 million with the Eagles this week.
Roseman has denied speaking with Barkley about joining the Eagles. If the league disagrees, the Eagles could be penalized through fines and/or draft picks.
The NFL has said they are aware of Franklin’s comments. The Giants have declined to comment.
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