The NFL fined Saquon Barkley a whopping $45,020 for dropping his helmet into a defender in what everybody other than the NFL tells you is an utterly absurd call. Last week, Saquon Barkley collided with Browns defensive tackle Maurice Hurst during the Eagles’ Week 6 game against the Browns. Both players lowered their helmets, but only Barkley was hit with a hefty fine for his hit, with no penalty taken on the field.

The NFL fined #Eagles RB Saquon Barkley $45,020 for unnecessary roughness (use of the helmet) on this play. pic.twitter.com/z0dQh6kETE

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 19, 2024This comes at a time when Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is nearing his return from the concussion he suffered this season. While the NFL is more aware than ever of dealing with head injuries, Barkley’s case feels extreme given there were no injuries made on the play. Now, the line between protecting and over-policing is getting increasingly muddied as the league provides more focus on player safety.

Barkley’s fine was a heavy one, the largest this season for a helmet-related incident, though it raised even more questions about the NFL’s consistency and fairness when it comes to these fines. Protecting players from concussions is important, but making players pay for plays that aren’t even penalized on the field is confusing.  Fans and players alike are left wondering: where is the line between aggressive football and unnecessary roughness?

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) and cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images