The Philadelphia Eagles are denying tampering suspicions after Penn State head coach James Franklin suggested that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spoke directly to Saquon Barkley in his pitch to the former New York Giant.
Concerns over potential tampering on the Eagles’ behalf came from the comments Franklin made to Sports Illustrated in a report published this week.
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman watches warmups before the game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 1, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Franklin recalled that Barkley said Roseman painted the deal as a potential homecoming.
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“(Barkley) said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch,” Franklin told the outlet. “Not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that but also the connection with Penn State and the fan base as well. So just a really cool opportunity.”
Saquon Barkley, #26 of the New York Giants, in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Eagles 27-10. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
However, according to a report from ESPN, the Eagles confirmed that all recruiting is facilitated through an agent. A source also told the outlet that the Giants have not reached out to the league regarding the matter.
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The Eagles lured Barkley away from their NFC East rival with a three-year deal worth $37.75 million and includes $26 million guaranteed.
The deal makes Barkley the highest-paid running back in franchise history.
Saquon Barkley, #26 of the New York Giants, looks on from the sideline prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 10, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
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Barkley, 27, played in 14 games last season, missing three because of a high ankle sprain. He ran for 962 yards and six touchdowns and had 41 catches, including four touchdowns.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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