Did Eagles illegally tamper with ex-Giants RB Saquon Barkley?

Saquon Barkley

Former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is now a member of the rival Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo | Adam Hunger)AP

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Did the Eagles tamper with former Giants running Saquon Barkley before getting him to agree to a three-year contract? Maybe more importantly: Does anyone care?

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After the deal was announced, Penn State coach James Franklin hinted that the former Nittany Lions running back had spoken on the phone with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman before the legal tampering window opened at the start of free agency.

Barkley walked away from the Giants — who didn’t want him — and quickly agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed.

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“He said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch,” Franklin had said. “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.”

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The Eagles issued a denial and a team spokesperson told ProFootballTalk that all communication happened through Barkley’s agent.

Eagles fans will remember that the NFL stripped the Chiefs of a third-round pick for tampering with former Eagles wideout Jeremy Maclin in 2016.

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