NFL reviewing Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons for possible tampering violations

PHILADELPHIA -- The NFL is reviewing whether the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons violated tampering policies during the legal tampering window, a league spokesman said Thursday.

The Eagles quickly struck a deal with two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley soon after the negotiation period opened at 12 p.m. on Monday.

Penn State football coach James Franklin told a reporter that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spoke to Barkley and pitched him on the connection between the Eagles and Nittany Lions fan bases.

Teams are permitted to talk directly with agents during the 52-hour negotiating window, but can't speak to the player unless he has no agent and represents himself.

The Eagles have denied the claims.

The Falcons agreed to a contract with four-time Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins shortly after teams were permitted to start negotiating with unrestricted free agents on Monday.

The Falcons did not respond to messages seeking comment, and an email seeking comment from Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, was not immediately returned to ESPN.

In Atlanta's case, Cousins said Wednesday: "There's great people here. And it's not just the football team. I mean, I'm looking at the support staff. Meeting -- calling, yesterday, calling our head athletic trainer, talking to our head of PR I'm thinking, we got good people here. And that's exciting to be a part of."

Cousins wasn't permitted to speak to anyone before 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.