The Philadelphia Eagles’ investigation for possible tampering during their pursuit of former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is still ongoing, but the league has announced it will not conclude before the NFL Draft. This development is significant for the Eagles, as it means they will not lose any of their seven draft picks in this year’s draft, which begins Thursday at 8 p.m. with first-round selections.
The Giants could still benefit from an NFL ruling in the future, but it would not be until the 2025 draft. ESPN’s Adam Schefter had previously reported Monday that the reviews into Barkley’s case and potential tampering charges against the Atlanta Falcons involving quarterback Kirk Cousins might be completed ahead of the draft.
After the Eagles signed Barkley to a three-year deal worth $37.75 million, Penn State coach James Franklin hinted that Barkley had spoken on the phone with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman before the legal tampering window opened at the start of free agency. The Eagles and Barkley have denied these allegations.
The Eagles have been on the receiving end of tampering rulings in the past. In 2016, the NFL stripped the Kansas City Chiefs of a third-round pick for tampering with former Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Last season, the Eagles exchanged third-round picks with the Arizona Cardinals based on a tampering ruling involving former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who was hired as the Cardinals head coach.
