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
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.
