The NFL is investigating whether the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles violated its legal negotiation policies, a league spokesperson said Thursday.
The Falcons agreed to terms with quarterback Kirk Cousins quickly after NFL teams were able to begin negotiations with unrestricted free agents on Monday.
PHOTO MIKE STEWART, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kirk Cousins
The Eagles signed running back Saquon Barkley shortly after the trading period opened at noon.
Teams can speak directly with players’ agents during the 52-hour negotiation period, but can only speak to a player if the player does not have an agent and is representing himself.
PHOTO CHRIS SZAGOLA, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Saquon Barkley
Penn State head coach James Franklin mentioned to reporters that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spoke directly to Barkley and tried to sell him on the team by bridging the gap between his team’s fans and those of the Nittany Lions.
The Eagles denied the claims and Barkley said Franklin misinterpreted the conversation.
“It was through my agent and my agent shared this with me,” Barkley added.
On Wednesday, Cousins said, “There are good people here. It’s not just the team. I mean, I look at the support staff. We have good people here. And it’s exciting to be a part of it. »
Cousins was not allowed to speak to anyone until 4 a.m. Wednesday.
“Due to the NFL’s investigation, we are unable to provide details and have no further comment,” the Falcons said in a statement.