Nick Foles can officially choose his next team after the Eagles announced Wednesday that they will let the quarterback become a free agent, as expected. Yet, as much as Foles deserves this opportunity, it’s going to be nerve-racking the next few weeks while we wait to see where he lands.
If he chooses Jacksonville? No big deal. If it’s the Giants? Seriously, Nick, don’t test us. In fact, maybe consult this handy guide to see which landing spots are best – that is if you cares at all how Eagles fans feel.
1. Jacksonville
Pros: A Foles-John DeFilippo reunion is easy to cheer. The former Eagles assistant joined the Jaguars as offensive coordinator in January. It gets Foles outside the conference, too, which means he’s not Philly’s problem unless matched up in the Super Bowl. Jacksonville has never won the big game, either, so people could probably live with that should such an unlikely event come to pass.
Cons: A cast of unlikable stars like Leonard Fournette (provided he’s not traded) and Jalen Ramsey. Plus, who wants to see former Giants coach turned current Jaguars vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin take a run at another Super Bowl ring?
Feeling: Meh. Do you, Nick.
2-4. Miami, Oakland, Cincinnati
NFL
Pros: Feels fairly certain none of these three franchises has a prayer of winning the Super Bowl within the next few years. All are out of conference, therefore not an impediment to the Eagles. In short, they’re irrelevant.
Cons: How depressing would it be to see Foles wind up back in a situation similar to when he was traded to the Rams? OK, maybe none of these three franchises is quite that bad, but there isn’t a single playoff win between the three of them since 2002. He’d probably be better off returning to Philadelphia as a backup.
Feeling: (Two years later) “Wait, Nick Foles is still in the league?”
5-6. Tampa Bay, Carolina
Pros: Neither landing spot is particularly likely. The Bucs appear to be sticking with Jameis Winston, and the Panthers all but confirmed there’s no need to for a temp to fill in for an injured Cam Newton.
Cons: Either would keep Foles in the conference, and the Panthers in particular are quite competitive most seasons. And, while not classic rivals, there’s enough history with both — think 2002 and ’03 — to make it uncomfortable for Eagles fans.
Feeling: Wouldn’t want to see him in January.
7. Washington
Pros: $20 million in cap space already committed to Alex Smith for 2019, plus another $16 million in prorated bonus money due in future years, perhaps setting the stage for one expensive quarterback controversy in 2020. Washington doesn’t have a ton of cap flexibility to begin with, so signing Foles likely limits the club’s ability to improve the rest of the roster.
Cons: With a respectable core in place, Foles makes Washington a viable challenger for the Eagles in the NFC East.
Feeling: Just Dan Snyder being Dan Snyder.
8. New York Giants
Pros: None. OK, fine … Foles doesn’t fix their defense.
Cons: I’m not convinced Foles is that much of an upgrade over Eli Manning, but supposing he is, the Giants could become a legitimate threat in the NFC East. More than the impact on the field though, it would be hard to watch an Eagles legend take the field for one of the team’s two most hated rivals. It’s just … wrong.
Feeling: RIP DOWN THE STATUE!
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