While the Eagles seem to be content with Jalen Hurts as their QB1, it appears they still have some question marks about their depth. According to ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, the Eagles were involved in Nick Foles‘ free agency and showed interest in a reunion.
The Eagles were involved in Nick Foles’ free agency for a potential reunion of Super Bowl winners before Foles signed his two-year deal the Colts, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 23, 2022
Ultimately, the quarterback went on to sign a two-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed. A reunion is still happening, only it’s between Foles and head coach (and former Eagles’ offensive coordinator) Frank Reich.
Foles appeared in just one game in 2021 for the Chicago Bears, which he started. The 33-year-old threw for 250 yards and one touchdown, leading the Bears to victory. Despite Foles’ stellar 2018 postseason, it never amounted to much in terms of becoming a possible franchise QB: he’s only started 12 games over the last three seasons.
The Eagles Missing Out On Foles Is A Blessing In Disguise
After willing the Eagles to their first Super Bowl ever, Foles will be a beloved icon in Philadelphia football history forever.
Ironically, that love is precisely the problem. It’s odd the Eagles — who understand the passion Foles can generate from the fans — would be interested in bringing Foles back when Hurts is vying to be the team’s general for years to come.
If Hurts struggled, perhaps even in one game, Foles would undoubtedly be receiving calls from fans to step in. And yes, while Hurts has shown to be more resistent to that kind of noise (at least better than Carson Wentz), putting him in that possible situation could potentially hurt him more than help him.
Of course, the interest isn’t that out-of-the-blue when considering the front office. One of Howie Roseman’s and Jeffrey Lurie’s weaknesses has been their loyalty to players, and no doubt to a fault. It’s why the team has trotted out aging and underperforming players like Jason Peters, who — despite their contributions to the team — should have been gone long before then.
Plus, it feels like the Eagles would have been downgrading from Gardner Minshew if Foles had been signed. Speaking of Minshew…
It’s Clear The Eagles Are Ready To Cash In On Minshew
While a Minshew trade has yet to occur, this interest is a sign Philadelphia is still very much open to it, as Fowler later reported.
An add to this: As Eagles got trade interest on Gardner Minshew, they discussed Nick Foles but ultimately decided they would stick with their quarterback room, including Minshew and draft pick Carson Strong. https://t.co/UKSQ2K7Z6J
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 23, 2022
In all likelihood, Minshew is probably traded before the season if Carson Strong impresses during training camp and preseason. He’s still just 26, is owed only over $2.5 million in 2022, and showed potential last year when he threw for four touchdowns and a 104.8 rating in three games.
On top of that, Minshew is set to be an UFA following the season. Minshew’s shown he has no plans of being a backup and wants to compete for a starting role, so the chances of him returning if Hurts pans out are nonexistent. I can’t imagine Roseman — being the GM he is — will let Minshew walk without getting value for him.
Ultimately, while Foles would’ve been fun to see back in midnight green, perhaps we should be grateful the Eagles let him walk off into the sunset without tainting his legacy — or starting a whole new quarterback controversy in the process.
