The NFL is exploring whether the Eagles and Falcons engaged in tampering in the days preceding the official start of free agency. The two situations are vastly different, on the surface. And possibly beneath it.
The Eagles landed on the tampering radar screen because Penn State coach James Franklin spoke of the Eagles’ recruiting pitch to former Giants running back Saquon Barkley by saying that Barkley spoke directly to Eagles G.M. Howie Roseman during the 52-hour negotiating period. The Eagles issued a general denial of any suggestion that they speak to players represented by agents during the pre-free agency window for discussing deals with players still under contract with other teams. More importantly, Barkley said during his introductory press conference that he did not hear directly from Roseman during the negotiating window.
Of course, Barkley (and any other player or executive who was aware of the issue in advance) would be inclined to deny it, even if it happened. The question becomes whether the NFL will check phone records to see whether Roseman called Barkley directly, or whether he received a call from Barkley. Most teams, however, would be smart enough to not leave such clear digital footprints.
Except for the Falcons, apparently. The Falcons seem to have engaged in blatant tampering with former Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Recklessly. With potentially little effort made to cover their tracks.
The best evidence comes from Cousins himself, who admitted during his introductory press conference — without prompting — that he spoke to the team’s head athletic trainer on Tuesday. Cousins also spontaneously admitted that he spoke with Falcons director of player personnel Ryan Pace. While no specific time was applied to that conversation, the Cousins press conference happened just a few hours after the start of the new league year, which also marks the point at which conversations between the Falcons and Cousins could commence.
At one point, Cousins…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/potential-tampering-eagles-falcons-very-215503326.html
Author : ProFootball Talk on NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-03-16 21:55:03
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