Eagles say Wentz will keep starting job

Likelihood of Foles staying on as a backup in Philly seems low

PHILADELPHIA— The Eagles are committed to Carson Wentz as their starting quarterback, ending any debate that might have existed about whether Nick Foles’ two post-season runs will make the franchise reconsider the position.

“Carson is the quarterback going forward,” coach Doug Pederson said Tuesday at his endof-season press conference. “And in Nick’s case, listen, we would love to have everybody back throughout the roster. But as I’ve said many, many times, it’s not about one guy. It’s about the team. We’re going to do what’s best for the team.”

This has been consistent with Pederson’s ongoing message, while Wentz was out with a back injury, that Wentz would remain the franchise quarterback.

The Eagles have a $20-million (U.S.) team option on Foles, although Foles could buy back free agency for $2 million if the option is exercised. It’s unlikely that the Eagles can afford to bring Foles back as the No. 2, and it’s less likely Foles would be interested in being the backup quarterback.

“We would love to keep Nick Foles,” Eagles executive vicepresident of football operations Howie Roseman said. “You talk about a guy who we drafted here and we’ve grown incredibly close with. I don’t know a team that wouldn’t want to have Nick Foles on their roster.” Wentz spoke Monday about the benefits of having a full offseason, which he didn’t have last year. Wentz, who was out with a knee injury while Foles led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win last year, didn’t receive medical clearance to play until September.