Rams release Foles on eve of camp
LOS ANGELES » The Los Angeles Rams released quarterback Nick Foles on Wednesday after failing to find a trade destination for the disgruntled veteran.
The Rams announced the move one day before their veterans report to training camp for their homecoming season in Southern California.
Foles hasn’t been around the Rams since they traded up to choose California quarterback Jared Goff with the No. 1 pick in the draft this spring. The veteran skipped offseason workouts while Los Angeles attempted to trade him.
Instead, the Rams had to release a capable veteran quarterback without compensation after teams likely realized they could attempt to sign Foles as a free agent.
“We have been in contact with Nick and his representation throughout the offseason, and we feel that this is the best decision for all parties involved,” Rams coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement. “We appreciate the contributions that Nick has made to our organization in his time as a Ram and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”
Foles spent just one disappointing season with the Rams, who acquired him from Philadelphia in a trade for Sam Bradford. Los Angeles also got a second-round pick in the deal, and they used it as part of the package to move up to grab Goff.
Foles started 11 games for St. Louis, including the first nine of the season. He passed for 2,052 yards and seven touchdowns with 10 interceptions, never having a 300-yard game and failing to breathe much life into the NFL’s worst passing offense.
Foles eventually lost the starting job to Case Keenum, who played the final four games of the Rams’ 12th consecutive non-winning season.
Goff and Keenum are competing for the top job at the Rams’ training camp in Irvine, California, over the next five weeks. Sean Mannion and Dylan Thompson also are on the roster for the Rams, who hold their first public workout Saturday.
Fisher initially said he hoped Goff would start their season opener at San Francisco in September, but has since downplayed the importance of that possibility.
The coach described Keenum as the Rams’ starting quarterback when offseason workouts concluded last month, but Goff will have the chance to play his way onto the field.
Foles made the Pro Bowl with the Eagles in 2013, throwing 27 touchdown passes with just two interceptions in a remarkable second season in the NFL. The University of Arizona product hasn’t recaptured that magic, with the Eagles and Rams giving up on him in consecutive offseasons.