The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to part ways with Nick Foles this offseason, and they would prefer to get something in return for him rather than just letting him leave in free agency. If they handle the situation properly, Foles may be interested in the same outcome.
Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that there is a scenario where the Eagles and Foles could work together to facilitate a trade to a destination of the quarterback’s choosing. Foles’ contract has a mutual option for 2019. If both parties opt in, Foles would make $20 million next season. If the Eagles pick up the option but Foles declines his end, he would have to pay back $2 million to become a free agent.
However, La Canfora was told by a source that the Eagles have considered the possibility of allowing Foles to keep the $2 million and then trying to trade him to a team he wants to play for. If you’re wondering why Foles wouldn’t just pay the $2 million so he can become a free agent, Philadelphia would have the option of using the the franchise tag on him even if he went that route.
In other words, Foles would opt into his end of the deal with a handshake agreement in place that the Eagles are going to trade him. That way he gets to keep his $2 million, be on the books for $20 million in 2019, and likely work out a long-term extension with his new team.
Foles has basically come out and said he wants to play for a new team in 2019, and he should have multiple suitors. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins are among the teams that could be looking for a veteran quarterback, so there should be multiple suitors for the Super Bowl MVP.
