Saquon Barkley faced a significant deduction from his salary just before his much-anticipated return to MetLife Stadium for a matchup against the Giants. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Eagles running back was fined $45,020 for lowering his head during a first-quarter run against the Cleveland Browns, where he gained eight yards.
During the play, after evading a tackle from Cleveland’s Ogbo Okoronkwo, Barkley lowered his head as he encountered Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. This tactic has become a focal point for the NFL this season, with the league actively enforcing rules against players lowering their heads to promote safety.
Earlier this season, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs received the same fine for a similar infraction. He faced an additional lower fine and was warned about a potential suspension if he continued to lower his head. After appealing one of his fines successfully, Jacobs expressed his frustration on X, stating, “@NFL, y’all gotta chill with the BS.”
Additionally, Cleveland linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was fined $20,900 for lowering his head during a tackle on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second quarter of the same game. These fines illustrate the league’s commitment to enforcing player safety, albeit sometimes resulting in controversy and frustration among players.
