The Philadelphia Eagles have denied impermissible contact between general manager Howie Roseman and Saquon Barkley during the negotiating window before the start of free agency.

His former coach at Penn State, James Franklin, suggested Roseman spoke to Barkley directly during the "legal tampering" period, which is not allowed.

"For him now to come back and be able to play within the state, in Philadelphia, he said that was one of the first things that Howie said to him on the phone as part of his sales pitch to him was not only the Philadelphia Eagles and that but obviously the connection with Penn State and the fan base as well," Franklin said.

Teams are not allowed to talk directly to players during the negotiating window unless the player represents himself. An Eagles spokesperson said that all recruiting done by the team is facilitated through the agent.

The NFL declined to comment on whether it is investigating possible impermissible contact. 

Barkley agreed to terms with the Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that includes $26 million fully guaranteed at signing.