NFL to see if Eagles broke rules in quest for Barkley

The NFL is looking into the possibility that the Eagles violated the NFL’s tampering rules during their free-agent recruitment of former Giants running back Saquon Barkley, a source said.

Penn State coach James Franklin said Tuesday that his former Nittany Lions back had spoken directly to Eagles GM Howie Roseman on the phone before signing with the Giants’ NFC East rival.

“To come back and be able to play within the state in Philadelphia,” Franklin said at a press conference. “He said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone — as part of kind of his sales pitch to him — was not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that, but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan bases, as well.”

Tampering is rampant and infrequently penalized in the NFL unless it is brazen. But direct contact between Roseman and Barkley during the league’s 48-hour negotiating window between Monday and Wednesday technically would have violated its tampering rules.

Teams are not allowed to speak directly with free-agent players during the negotiating window unless the player represents himself. Otherwise, the team must “contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents” of any prospective free agents.

Barkley, who signed a three-year contract with Philly, said at his introductory Eagles press conference on Thursday that Franklin’s comments were incorrect.

“Coach Franklin I think kind of misinterpreted it,” Barkley said. “The truth was, the sales pitch of how many ‘Penn State fans are Philadelphia fans,’ that was through my agent. My agent told me that. So, it happens.”

An Eagles spokesperson told Pro Football Talk and ESPN that all recruiting done by the team is facilitated through the agent. The NFL’s investigation is standard procedure when potentially suspicious activity allegedly occurs.

The league is also investigating the Falcons for potential tampering in their recruitment and signing of former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The Giants told the Daily News that they know the NFL is aware of Franklin’s comments but said the club has not communicated with the league on the matter beyond that.

Barkley said he planned to attend Penn State’s pro day today in Happy Valley, so he would probably end up giving Franklin a hard time for getting him in some hot water.

“Yeah, I guess we’ll have that conversation,” Barkley said with a smirk.

The Jets and linebacker C.J. Mosley have agreed to a two-year, $17.25 million contract, sources confirm to the Daily News. The move will create more salary cap room for Gang Green.

Mosley was initially scheduled to make a non-guaranteed base salary of $17 million in 2024. He also had a cap charge of over $21.4 million. With his new two-year contract, Mosley will receive $13.25 million in guarantees, including $9 million fully guaranteed in 2024. The new contract will save the Jets around $8 million, which should give them close to $20 million in salary cap space.

The Jets originally signed Mosley to a five-year, $85 million contract in 2019. He missed 14 games in 2019 due to a groin injury and sat out the entire 2020 season after opting out due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mosley, 31, has not only been a defensive captain but has been the Jets’ best player since 2021. During the last three seasons, he has led the Jets in tackles (averaging 159.3). Mosley was also a second-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowl selection in 2022.

Mosley has been a catalyst for the Jets’ excellent defense the last two seasons. After finishing last in yards and points allowed in 2021, the Jets were fourth in those categories in 2022. Last season, the Jets finished third in yards (292.3) and 12th in points allowed (20.9).

Entering free agency, the Jets had around $27 million of salary cap room to spend. So far in free agency, the Jets have re-signed kicker Greg Zuerlein and punter Thomas Morstead and added left guard John Simpson, quarterback Tyrod Taylor, cornerback Isaiah Oliver and defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu. The Jets and Ravens also agreed to a trade for right tackle Morgan Moses.

Edge rusher Bryce Huff, who led the Jets in sacks in 2023, signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles.