The Philadelphia Eagles and Nick Foles have reworked a contract for the Super Bowl winning quarterback that could mean he walks after the 2018 season.
Per ESPN.com and other sources, the restructured deal includes a $2 million signing bonus, incentives if he starts and hits certain benchmarks, and a mutual option for 2019. Foles was in the final year of his contract and was scheduled to make a base salary of $4 million this season.
NFL Network first reported the contract restructuring.
As Tim McManus wrote, both the Eagles and Nock Foles would have to be in agreement for the former third-round pick to see his 2019 options picked up. There had been speculation after the Eagles won the Super Bowl the team would listen to offers for Foles, trying to maximize on his trade potential. Now, he becomes one of the more important back-up quarterbacks in the NFL this season.
As McManus wrote, “Foles stepped in for the injured Carson Wentz, who tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee against the Los Angeles Rams in December, and guided the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win.
“He completed 73 percent of his passes in the postseason with six touchdowns and one interception, including three TD passes in a 41-33 win over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.”
Because the quarterback class of 2019 is not believed to be as deep as this year, Foles could be a major puzzle piece this offseason for a team looking to make a change under center. While he has stated on many occasions that he wants to remain in Philadelphia, Nick Foles has also said he wants to start once again in the NFL. Carson Wentz suffered a knee injury in the last months of the 2017 season, which ushered Foles into action.
“We love Philly. I know there was some stuff going around [about] a possible trade, and I would love the opportunity to be a starter again,” Foles said. “I know my spot in Philly. I think I’ve shown what I can do. I’m signed for one more year and I love the team, I love the city. I’m excited for Carson to get back on his feet. I’ll be ready to go whenever they need me. But we’ll see; just living in the moment.”
McManus reported some teams inquired about potentially trading for Foles at the beginning of the league year, the Eagles set the price high and no deal was struck.