The latest mock draft from ESPN Insider Todd McShay does not have the Philadelphia Eagles drafting Marcus Mariota. Despite the multiple reports of interest in the former Oregon Ducks, McShay has the Eagles selecting safety Landon Collins out of Alabama at No. 20. However, he does speculate that head coach Chip Kelly is preparing a major jump up the board to grab his former college star. Regardless of whether or not Mariota gets drafted to Philadelphia, Nick Foles could be out no matter what.
Foles spoke with NFL Media during the Super Bowl pre-game activities and made it clear that he fully intends to return to the Eagles and be the starting quarterback in 2015. The quarterback said Kelly has told him no different so that is the plan he is operating under despite the large number of trade rumors.
"I only listen to (head coach) Chip Kelly. That's what is most important. He is the one that will make the decision," Foles said, via NJ.com. "Right now all I am going to do is work because I plan on being back in Philadelphia and playing with my team. That's all I ever thought. So that is what I plan on doing and I'm not looking at it any other way."
NJ.com continues to report that Foles will be gone before 2015. The quarterback is in need of a new contract and the Eagles have no plans to negotiate with him since they are doubting his long-term future. The St. Louis Rams could be a strong landing spot considering they are looking for insurance with Sam Bradford. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Cleveland Browns could also become very interested in Foles. Right now, all signs point to the quarterback wearing a different uniform come the fall.
That leaves the Eagles open to trading up for Mariota or acquiring someone else. NJ.com is predicting Jack Locker could be a solid fit for the team. The often injured quarterback is preparing to be a free agent and will be a cheap signing for any team. The quarterback is only 26 and very athletic pending that he is healthy. Locker is not a starter, but could be a solid backup or stop-gap option if Mariota is drafted.
Most NFL experts believe Kelly is preparing to sell the farm for Mariota. The team also has contracts for players like Jeremy Maclin to worry about, but the head coach fully intends to take the quarterback at all costs. This is a risky move that could either have a big pay off or set the franchise back at least two years. Regardless, Foles' name is not penciled in to the long-term outlook of the team.