NFL Trade Machine: Nick Foles To St. Louis
By Erik Lambert
Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) reacts against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bradford may be on his way back from another ACL, but after what happened in 2014, one things is clear. The St. Louis Rams have no intention of having him as their only legitimate quarterback option. More than likely they will pursue somebody of note via an NFL trade that will come in and compete for the starting job on what many believe is a team ready to contend.
The latest name to drop is Nick Foles.
How such a deal would work
Rest assured, the Philadelphia Eagles cannot and will not give up Foles unless they are assured of a getting something in return that will help them at the quarterback position. Just because rumors persist that some in the organization aren’t happy with Foles doesn’t mean he isn’t the best they have. Certainly better than Mark Sanchez.
So the idea behind the trade would most like center around the draft. Currently the Eagles sit back at #20 in the first round. The Rams on the other hand are sitting much higher at #10. The buzz persists that Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is looking for an avenue to jump up the board for a chance to draft Marcus Mariota. After all, Kelly recruited him when he was head coach at Oregon. Mariota has the exact skill set needed to run Kelly’s unique offense. Moving up to #10 on the board would grant them a better chance at achieving the goal.
Road Blocks
The issue is it could likely break the bank in terms of draft picks for Philadelphia to get high enough. That is where Foles comes in. By packaging the quarterback in a deal, the thinking would be the Eagles would not have to give up as many picks because the Rams are in need of a quarterback. Foles is a Pro Bowler and still young at age 26. He should be able to fit the system St. Louis is running.
At the heart of the matter is this. Would a move up to the 10th pick be high enough for the Philadelphia Eagles to get Marcus Mariota? Arguments persist that the Heisman winner could go anywhere between #1 and #6 given the quarterback-needy teams like Tampa Bay, Tennessee and the Jets.
So if a Nick Foles deal were to happen, the St. Louis Rams and their fan may have to wait until they’re on the clock.