The verdict is there.
The Eagles have not been punished for possible tampering with running back Saquon Barkley.
The NFL released the following statement Thursday morning: “After a thorough review of the signing of Saquon Barkley by the Philadelphia Eagles, the NFL today informed the club that the investigation did not uncover sufficient evidence to support the conclusion that the contract was violated. Anti-Manipulation Policy. . To reach this conclusion, the league reviewed phone records, text messages and other documents related to Philadelphia’s free agency strategy and the 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, if new evidence is discovered, the league may reopen the investigation.”
The issue came to light when Franklin told reporters that Roseman’s speech to Barkley included pointing out the number of Penn State fans who are also Eagles fans. During the negotiation period prior to free agency, there can be no direct contact between the team and the player.
Previous reports surrounding the timing of the announcement implied that the Eagles would receive some type of punishment. Obviously, that didn’t happen.
The matter is now closed, unless and until new evidence emerges.