Nick Foles Considering Leaving Philadelphia Eagles

It’s rare when a top quarterback becomes available as a free agent in the NFL. Rarer still when that QB has so recently been the MVP of the Super Bowl.

Welcome to Nick Foles’ future. Maybe.

When the Philadelphia Eagles lost 20-14 to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the divisional playoff round, their season ended and the Foles sweepstakes began.

A year ago, replacing the injured Carson Wentz, Foles led the Eagles past the New England Patriots for their first Super Bowl title. He calmly accepted a return to the backup role when Wentz (knee) came back, replaced an injured Wentz (back) again with much success, but now he’s positioned and ready for more as the undisputed No. 1.

There are some contractual issues ahead. The Eagles hold a $20 million option for the coming season. If they invoke it (and that’s a steep price), Foles can buy it out for $2 million. The Eagles then could still use the franchise tag on him (at about $25 million) and try to trade him, which would limit his choices but keep him out of the hands of a division rival (Washington Redskins, New York Giants) that might be interested.

Foles didn’t have much to say about what’s ahead after the loss to the Saints. “That’s a tough question,” he said.

He likes Philadelphia, Wentz and his other teammates. But he only gets one career and he’s 29. Wentz is 26 and still the Eagles’ most-likely starter.

And so the offseason intrigue begins for the Eagles and the starter who can’t start for the team with which he won a Super Bowl.

 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman