After the Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback Carson Wentz went down with an injury, the team wasn’t given much chance to make a deep playoff run, while the Super Bowl appearance seemed like a distant dream. The major reason for that was Wentz’s backup Nick Foles, who struggled with production after stepping up in as his replacement. But playoff time came and Foles delivered, performing above everyone’s expectations and ultimately winning the Eagles a Super Bowl, and being named Super Bowl MVP.
Philadelphia Eagles managed to win their first Super Bowl in history on February 4 and they are entitled to celebrate as much as they can. But after the euphoria wears off, the team’s front office has to make a big decision: whether to keep Nick Foles or trade him.
Trading Foles might seem tempting. His value was never higher and there are plenty of teams in NFL who need a starting quarterback. Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets to name a few. They would all be happy to give up a high draft pick to snatch Foles and make him their starting quarterback. All of them will call Eagles’ GM Howie Roseman and ask for a price. Roseman’s answer should be no, and here is why.
Carson Wentz will need nine months to rehabilitate at best but 12 months is a real option. This means he is about to miss the opening game of 2018 NFL season at best, but it is more likely that he will have to sit out at least until week five. Even when he comes back, there is no guarantee he will be at his MVP candidate form immediately. Keeping Foles will give Eagles a competent quarterback to carry the load until Wentz fully heals. They won’t have to rush Wentz to come back prematurely in order to keep winning. Foles proved that he can do that with this team by throwing for almost 1,000 yards in his three playoff games.
Eagles currently have the best quarterback situation in the league and should keep it that way. There is no need to change the winning combination. After Foles’ contract expires in 2019, it will be up to him to decide whether he wants to stay as a backup or he wishes to pursue a starting quarterback position. But the Eagles are in control now and if they want the best for their franchise, they’ll want Foles as the part of their team.
