Eagles Suddenly Under Investigation for Saquon Barkley Signing

The Philadelphia Eagles' signing of star running back Saquon Barkley has stirred plenty of dramatic fallout. Aside from the rivalry aspect, though, claims of potential tampering have been floated, putting Philly in the crosshairs of the league.

In fact, the NFL is now investigating possible improper contact between Barkley and the Eagles before the legal tampering period opened on Monday.

NFL News: Potential Tampering Investigation for Eagles' Barkley Signing

This saga began when Penn State head coach James Franklin made public comments on Tuesday that suggested Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman spoke with Barkley about their deal. This is against NFL rules, which only allow teams and players' agents to speak during the legal tampering period.

"For him now to come back and be able to play within the state, in Philadelphia, 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 was not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan base as well."

- James Franklin, Penn State

Given Barkley's connection to the Nittany Lions, it's very possible Franklin knows something that others didn't in regard to the Eagles' recruitment of Barkley. That's why the league is taking the matter seriously.

Depending on the severity of the infraction, the Eagles could be fined or even lose draft picks if a violation is found.

The New York Jets were once docked $100K in 2015 for breaking tampering rules when signing cornerback Darrelle Revis. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins faced a much stiffer penalty -- forfeiting first and third-round picks -- for illegal contact with both Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton in 2022.

In other Eagles news: