Nick Foles started six games last season for the Eagles. Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
The Philadelphia Eagles brought back quarterback Michael Vick on a one-year deal that could bring him up to $10 million and then signed mobile Dennis Dixon.
That has left former Arizona Wildcats quarterback Nick Foles as the potential odd man out in Philadelphia under new coach Chip Kelly.
The former Oregon Ducks coach says he likes Foles as a quarterback, but it’s still hard to see Foles as the right fit for the offense Kelly wants to run.
There has been plenty of buzz about former Eagles coach Andy Reid, now with the Kansas City Chiefs, being eager to reunite with Foles. USA Today, our Gannett partner, reported Saturday night that the teams have talked.
Here is the story:
By Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports
INDIANAPOLIS – The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles spoke this week about a possible trade involving Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, but no progress has been made toward a deal, according to a person informed of the talks between the teams.
The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the conversations weren’t to be discussed publicly, said the Eagles conveyed to the Chiefs what they’ve been saying through the media – they like Foles and plan on giving him a chance to compete with Michael Vick for the starting job.
Former Eagles coach Andy Reid was asked about Foles during his press conference at the scouting combine. The new Chiefs coach said, “He’s not available. You just had (Eagles GM) Howie (Roseman) up here (on the podium), so I think you know that.”
However, the conversation between the teams about Foles nonetheless occurred later that day. The Eagles reiterated what Reid already knew – Foles is not on the market at this point.
There’s always a chance things could change in the next few weeks or months. In fact, there’s no urgency at this point because, while teams are free to discuss potential trades right now, no deals can occur before the start of the league year on March 12. For now, talks between the Eagles and Chiefs are going nowhere on the Foles front.
Meanwhile, a person briefed on the Chiefs’ thinking in regard to Matt Cassel said the veteran quarterback has not been offered a pay cut from his slated salary of $7.5 million. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t talked about Cassel’s contract situation in detail, said it seems Cassel is destined to be released soon.
Foles, a third-round pick in 2012, played in seven games as a rookie last season, starting six after Vick suffered a concussion. Foles completed 161 of 265 passes (60.8 percent) for 1,699 yards, with six touchdowns and five interceptions. He missed the season-finale because of a broken bone in his right hand.