Roundtable discussion: What are the Eagles really going to do with Nick Foles?

The Nick Foles saga is one that may well define the offseason. With a recent report hinting that the Eagles are likely going to exercise the option on Nick Foles, it’s brought up a very frantic discussion as to what’s really going to happen. We went around the Philly Sports Network locker room to ask the team what they think the outcome is going to be.

Liam Jenkins: Eagles Writer

For me, the answer is simple. The report from NFL Network citing that the Eagles will likely pick up the $20M option tells me that they’re simply trying to gauge the market. Miami and Jacksonville have emerged as likely landing spots and if the Eagles could find a way to acquire a third-round pick this year as opposed to a conditional compensatory pick in the same round for 2020, then they would. But if the plan is for Foles to ultimately ‘buy his freedom’, the Eagles are playing a risky game…as explained here.

Why Eagles are virtually ‘powerless’ when it comes to trying to cash in on Nick Foles

If the Eagles don’t find a potential partner within the next week, it’s hard to imagine a ‘tag-n-trade’ move or an actual option pickup. I think this recent report is simply trying to drum up the apparent interest to generate discussions among potential suitors. The finale, regardless of whether it’s a quick option based trade or simply letting him walk, is that Foles will decide his future…and it’s highly unlikely that he will remain in Philadelphia.

If I was to put money on this scenario, I still feel that the Eagles will let Foles walk and choose his own destiny. This team isn’t in a position to gamble…just yet.

Morgan Burkett: Eagles Writer

Trade him away

Philadelphia loves you Mr. Foles, and there may still be an opportunity for you to retire in midnight green. This move, however, will be made to allow Howie Roseman to do what he does best — create value in areas others are willing to overlook. Howie is not one to leave stones unturned and I doubt the Eagles would resign Foles without at least a couple possible suitors. A third round pick isn’t exactly flashy, but this year, if any, is a great year to have an extra day two selection. With a tag and trade scenario being the most likely possibility, the front office and Foles are both be beneficiaries. Foles’ camp can still have a say on where the quarterback ends up, and the franchise tag will secure him a few million dollars more than his original 2019 salary. In turn, the Eagles recoup a wad of cash and head into the draft with an impressive haul of picks for a playoff team.

Tyler Zuli: Phillies Contributor/ On-Air producer for 97.5 The Fanatic

In picking up their side of the mutual option, what the Eagles have done is put the ball in Nick Foles’ court. Now, the team has the ability to say, “We did our part”, in marketing strategies and in dealing with fans, who hail Foles as the hero that he is. They’ve allowed Nick Foles to make the final decision on his immediate future with the team.

Now, in terms of what’s best for the team itself: A franchise tag-trade combination helps the team the most. Sure, one could argue that he’s been the best insurance policy in the game, but should Carson Wentz go down three times in three years, reclamation is not what one should concern themselves with, but rather, the future health of Wentz. For everything that Nick Foles has done for this city, this team, myself personally, and beyond: Thank you. But it’s time to begin thinking about return on investment. If the Eagles use Nick Foles’ status as justification to keep him as the backup, especially at such a high price, they’re doing themselves a disservice for the future. The proper use of Foles, at this point, would be to apply the franchise tag and work a deal with another team. If that team is the Redskins or Giants, so be it, but the Eagles would be remiss if they allow Foles to walk for nothing. Slap the franchise tag on him, work out a deal, and grab an additional draft pick or two that can help this team in the future.

John Gove: Flyers/Phantoms Prospects writer

With the Eagles expected to exercise their half of the mutual option, I believe that Nick Foles is going to deny it. As a result, he will pay Philadelphia $2 million back and simply hit free agency. The Eagles respect Foles and would trade him to a team he wants to go for, however, testing the free agent market benefits the 30-year-old the most. All it takes is a bidding war between two teams in a quarterback-driven league and Foles will be set for the rest of his life. Hitting the open market just has too many positives for Foles to turn it down.

Jamey Baskow: Flyers writer

Nick Foles is a legend, a staple of Philadelphia. He did something no other quarterback in Eagles has done…win us a Super Bowl. Not only a Championship, but he beat one of the greatest Quarterbacks of all time in Tom Brady. Foles should be resigned for one main reason…the health of Carson Wentz.

Wentz is a good Quarterback, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy the past two years. He’s had some pretty significant injuries. Until Wentz can prove he can stay healthy for an entire season like his rookie season, then Foles should be resigned. In today’s day NFL you need a solid QB to win, what if the Eagles didn’t have Foles? Would the Eagles have won a Super Bowl with a different backup QB? Who knows.

Foles is Philadelphia. Foles and Philly are a match made in heaven, and it’s a marriage that should last a lifetime.

Nick Foles has been a blessing for the Eagles the past 2 seasons. A savior sent from on high to lead a city to greatness. We will never forget what he did for Philadelphia but it’s time to move on. Wentz is the QB of the future and Foles seems like he’s accepted the fact that his time here has ended. The Eagles most likely picked up his option to maximize his value and trade him. Thank you Foles for memories I’ll never forget and the first round pick you’ll eventually bring.

Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports