The Eagle has been stranded, and here comes the sweepstakes.
Nick Foles will be a free agent, Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman said Wednesday, as the team will not use its franchise tag on the 30-year-old.
Speaking in Indianapolis at the scouting combine, Roseman said the decision came after Foles expressed his desire to become a starter during a recent meeting.
Foles was Carson Wentz’s backup each of the past two seasons but finished both seasons as the starter. He was the Super Bowl MVP after leading the Eagles to their first NFL title since 1960 last February. This year, the defending champs lost in the divisional round to the Saints.
While Foles and his bank account will be thrilled at the freedom, a few potential destinations vanished. The Giants committed to another year of Eli Manning, and the Raiders gave a vote of confidence to Derek Carr, calling him a “franchise quarterback.”
Tom Coughlin’s Jaguars are the most sensible fit, while the Redskins, with Alex Smith’s status in the air, also figure to be involved in the bidding, as well as the Dolphins.
Roseman said the Eagles were “fortunate” to have a top-15 quarterback mentoring Wentz. Foles was a third-round draft pick in 2012.