Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Foles says he is leaving his options open
Nick Foles revealed for the first time Monday he’s going to stay in constant communication with the Eagles through free agency.
At an end of the season locker cleanout, Foles told reporters he’s technically not under contract right now. The Eagles and Foles have options on a deal worth $20 million in 2019, a pact that likely will be torn up should the sides agree to some kind of signand-trade.
“We’ll pursue it when it happens,” Foles said of free agency. “I have a great relationship with this team and that’s genuine. So, we’ll continue to communicate. We’ll continue to talk about everything. Ultimately we’ll make the best decisions for both sides and we’ll figure it out.”
Barring an unforeseen development, the Eagles will move on from Foles, the Super Bowl LII MVP who has guided the club to a 23-7 record in his last 30 starts, including a 9-3 ledger and a Super Bowl title in his second tour.
The Eagles selected the 29-year-old Foles in the third round of the 2012 draft, their last under Andy Reid.
Foles threw 27 touchdown passes and just two interceptions on the way to earning a Pro Bowl invitation during the 2013 season. He also tied the singlegame NFL record of seven TD passes in a blowout of the Oakland Raiders, who have draft capital and are rumored to be interested in securing his services.
Any arrangement the Eagles make to facilitate a trade must be approved by Foles. If they franchise him, they’re on the hook for $23 million guaranteed the moment he signs the tender.
The first day teams can designate franchise or transition players is Feb. 19. The first day of free agency is March 13, although teams are permitted to enter into negotiations on March 11.
Foles and the Eagle need to have something worked out by then, lest his opportunities to sign elsewhere evaporate.
The Eagles, of course, simply can release Foles, who guided them to a 4-1 record down the homestretch, the end coming Sunday in a 20-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.
Foles started off strong but wound up throwing two interceptions. Both weren’t completely his fault, including the ball that literally went right through the hands of Alshon Jeffery, killing a comeback in which the Eagles reached the 27yard line of the Saints in the final two minutes.
Foles spoke with his teammates on the flight home and again Monday.
“I love them and appreciate them,” Foles said. “It’s really not about the wins and losses, it’s the relationships, the memories you create with one another. We’ve been here since OTAs and training camp and you go through so much with each other, throughout the week of prep. The game is actually a really small part of it, though it means so much.
“But talking about memories, the moments we shared together, that’s what it’s about. This team will never be the same, just like last year, this team wasn’t the same. But you create your own DNA and go from there.”
Foles reiterated what he said Sunday about wanting to be a starter. Though he said “anything is open” as far as the opportunity to come back, the Eagles are committed to Carson Wentz.
What Foles will learn in the coming weeks is what he’s worth in the quarterback industry. If a team isn’t willing to pay him close to $23 million, as per the franchise tag, it would make little sense to trade for him, even in the veteran quarterback-starved NFL.
“Having the option to be a free agent is extremely important,” Foles said. “I’m technically not under contract right now. That’s something we’ll discuss in the future. It’s a unique situation, a good situation for this team to have.
“No matter what happens it’s been a joy being here, every single day, just being in this locker room, wearing this jersey, being a part of this city.”