It’s silly to think that Philadelphia would choose Nick Foles over Carson Wentz, its superstar-in-training and the No. 2 pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Foles’ performance in Sunday’s NFC Championship, though, displayed further proof of his starting quality. Putting up a 300-plus yard and three-touchdown performance against the No. 2 defense in the league also showed game-changing skill at the most vital position on any football field.
Not a stop gap or as a backup, mind you. Especially after signing a contract with an unusual clause per the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.
1/2: Nick Foles signed 5-yr, $27.5m deal w/ Eagles w/ another $5m in incentives and up to $6m escalator for 2018 if he hits certain markers
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 17, 2017
2/2: But really it's a 2-year, $11m deal to be Wentz's backup, plus the $5m in incentives and $6m escalator.
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 17, 2017
The final three years of Foles' deal void if he's on the Eagles' roster 23 days before the start of the 2019 league year, i.e. mid-February
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 17, 2017
Foles may have reached the plateau of a revitalized starter that’s seemingly found the magic that made him one of the most-sought after prospects in 2013. As ludicrous as it would be for the Eagles to swap Foles for Wentz long term, it’s equally as ridiculous to surmise It’s also ridiculous to think the former wouldn’t capitalize on a opportunity to find a permanent location that is in need of a possible franchise quarterback.
Like many before him — Erik Kramer, Rich Gannon, Josh McCown, and Kurt Warner to name a few — the 6-foot-6 Austin Westlake High School and University of Arizona product has regained control of his career later rather than sooner.
Cleveland rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown in the first half of a Browns’ preseason game. Photo courtesy AP via USA Today Sports
There are voids in Arizona, Cleveland, New York, Pittsburg, and Washington, but each either has a better option at the position or isn’t a viable locale for Roles’ needs. The Browns could either draft a quarterback or continue the Deshone Kizer experiment, the Cardinals had both their head coach and starting quarterback announce retirement, and the Steelers will likely look for a developmental QB to study under Ben Roethlisberger.
Washington could pay a hefty price for Kirk Cousins or use Colt McCoy as a two to three season bridge. The Broncos, Dolphins, and Giants, though, may be hand-in-glove fits.
Foles to Giants
Pat Shurmur (right) coached Nick Foles (left) during the Eagles’ record breaking NFL season in 2013. Photo courtesy David Maialetti/The Inquirer
The New York Giants could be in the market to draft the heir-apparent to Eli Manning. If new General Manager David Gettleman isn’t sold on either Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen as the franchise quarterback of the future, though, Foles may be the best bet on the market.
Especially if the rumors that Vikings Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur will become the Giants new head coach are proven true. It’s the same man that helped NFL journeyman and former Abilene Wylie High School quarterback Case Keenum nearly reach the Super Bowl.
Shurmur helped revitalize Keenum’s career and helped orchestrate the “Minnesota Miracle.” He did the same for Colt McCoy. He trained Sam Bradford and Donovan McNabb. Under Chip Kelly and with Foles as quarterback in 2013, Shurmur helped orchestrate one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL.
The Eagles set team records in passing yards (4,406), points (442), touchdowns (53), and fewest turnovers (19) en route to an NFC East title in 2013. They also set an NFL record with 99 plays of 20-plus yards and became the first team since the 1991 Buffalo Bills to lead the league in rushing while ranking dead last in time of possession.
Manning will turn 37 when the 2018 season begins, set to make $10.5 million. The Giants would have $12.4 million in dead money on their 2018 salary cap while freeing up $9.8 million in cap space. By releasing him, the Giants would split the dead money over two years.
That’s $6.2 million in 2018 and 2019, saving $16 million in 2018 cap space.
Foles to Dolphins
Adam Gase (right) talks to Jay Cutler (right) during the Chicago Bears’ 2015 season. Cutler has had the most efficient seasons of his career under Gase. Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports
Miami, too, is in an ideal position to lure Foles to South Beach. If you don’t think so, I have a single name that should change your tune.
The uber-talented but mercurial quarterback has experienced a myriad of highs and lows in his 12-year career. The highs have been higher and the lows have been lower when he is connected to Adam Gase, though.
With Gase as either his offensive coordinator or head coach, Cutler has a completion percentage above 63 and a 1.6 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
JAY CUTLER’S STATS WITH ADAM GASE
Without him?
Cutler’s numbers fall to 62.5 and 1.4, respectively. That includes a Pro Bowl year in 2008. He also has nearly a quarter of his career yards (36,133) with Gase despite playing only two seasons under him.
YEAR | COMP | ATT | % | YDS | TD | INT
Ryan Tannehill at this point may a failed experiment. In the least, he needs a fresh start with an up and coming offensive mind.
Foles to Broncos
Speaking of Denver, I think it’s safe to signal the end of the Paxton Lynch- Trevor Siemian era.
It’s sad given how dominant the Broncos’ defense was under Wade Phillips and during Joe Woods’ first season as defensive coordinator. Since Phillips’ first year as DC in 2015, the Broncos have fallen between No. 1 and No. 5 in the NFL in terms of total yards allowed per game and points allowed.
The franchise has compiled 9-7 (2016) and 5-11 (2017) records in the past two seasons since Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a Super Bowl in 2015. It’s come during an uneasy quarterback carousel of Lynch, Siemian, and Brock Osweiler.
Permanent options could lie in the NFL Draft and Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma State’s Mason Rudolph or Wyoming’s Josh Allen. The Broncos, though, may want to bank on a proven veteran that can lead them back to a Super Bowl.
Foles could be the quarterback that could be more than a game manager for one of the best defense’s in professional football. He will turn 29 when the new season begins.
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Marcus Matthews-Marion is the managing editor of TexasHSFootball, covering prep football throughout the Lone Star State and collegiate and professional football throughout the country. Follow him on Twitter, @TheMJMatthews, and read more of his content here.
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