NFL concludes Eagles did not violate anti-tampering policy in signing Saquon Barkley

The NFL found no evidence that the Philadelphia Eagles violated the anti-tampering policy by signing free-agent running back Saquon Barkley.

The league informed the Eagles of its decision on Thursday.

“After a thorough review of the Philadelphia Eagles signing of Saquon Barkley, the NFL today informed the club that the investigation did not discover sufficient evidence to support a finding that the Anti-Tampering Policy was violated,” the league office said in a statement.

“In coming to this conclusion, the league reviewed phone logs, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and decision to sign Barkley. The NFL also interviewed several members of the organization, including Howie Roseman and Nick Sirianni, as well as Barkley and Penn State head coach James Franklin. As with every review, should new evidence be uncovered, the league may reopen the investigation.”

Public comments, specifically by Franklin, set off tampering alarm bells. Barkley later dismissed the quotes as the Penn State coach misinterpreting the situation.

Nevertheless, the NFL reviewed the situation surrounding the Eagles’ signing of the former Giants RB to a three-year, $37.75 million contract in March and found no wrongdoing.

The NFL did fine and dock the Atlanta Falcons a 2025 fifth-round draft pick for violations during the free-agency process.