Less than a year after signing a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Nick Foles could be on his way out of Duval.
Nick Foles signed a four-year, $88 million contract with the Jaguars. However, Foles only played in four games due to a broken left clavicle. The team turned to backup Gardner Minshew II and it’s easy to see why he’s viewed as a short-term and potentially a long-term solution.
If the Jaguars turn to Minshew, the team will have to get creative by trading the former Super Bowl MVP. According to Spotrac, Foles’ cap hit for 2020 will be $22.125 million. A trade would leave Jacksonville with $18.75 million in dead cap but would save more than $3 million.
There’s still a lot of football left in the 31-year-old. Thankfully, there is a carousel of teams are in need of a quarterback, but which team could take on his contract?
Los Angeles Chargers
The 16-year relationship between Philip Rivers and the Chargers is over. Both parties agreed to part ways with the quarterback moving across the country to Florida. Tyrod Taylor is the Chargers backup and they own the sixth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. Even if they don’t draft a quarterback, the Chargers should inquire about the Michigan State alumnus.
Foles would have a chance to succeed in Los Angeles. He would have running back Austin Eckler along with wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. While the supporting cast would be an upgrade to Jacksonville’s offense, it’s reminiscent of the supporting casts Foles had in Philadelphija.
Financially, the Chargers have the money to pull off a trade. According to Over The Cap, the team has $48.7 million available in cap space. Trading for Foles would improve the team for the short and long term.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts and Jaguars are division rivals. However, Colts head coach Frank Reich was the offensive coordinator during the Eagles 2017 Super Bowl season. It’s also no secret Indianapolis will be keeping its eyes open for a quarterback.
The Colts have more than $85 million in cap space this offseason. All that money won’t be sitting there all spring, but it’s enough to take on Foles’ contract. Jacksonville adding a pick to the trade would be unfortunate, but they are a team that’s equipped for a quarterback like Foles.
Chicago Bears
The Bears and Jaguars seem to be similar franchises. Two teams with stellar defenses but both lack a true quarterback. In this case, Foles would have an upper hand as he’s worked with three men currently employed by the Bears. Matt Nagy (Kansas City 2016), offensive coordinator Bill Lazor (Philadelphia 2013), and quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo (Philadelphia 2017 and Jacksonville 2019).
A trade would make sense for both sides, but it would come at a high price. The Bears are right up against the cap with Foles’ deal on their books. If they want him, they’ll have to get creative elsewhere. Even if Chicago lands him, it would show the team is serious about being a Super Bowl contender.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis Winston finished the 2019 season leading the league in passing yards but also led in interceptions. The Buccaneers will have to decide if the former Heisman Trophy winner is worthy of a franchise tag. If the team decides to part ways with Winston, then Foles could be another destination for him to go to.
It would be a similar situation to the Chargers. Foles would have both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as his receiver targets.
The Bucs have enough cap space to make it worth it while. Plus, there’s head coach Bruce Arians. The two-time Super Bowl coach has experience as a quarterbacks coach, working with Peyton Manning and served as the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator from 2007-11. Plus, he coached Carson Palmer and the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-17.