The Philadelphia Eagles are coming into the offseason after missing the playoffs and head coach Chip Kelly could look at a Nick Foles trade in 2015, as teams like the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and St. Louis Rams could be interested in making a move, as Kelly is hoping to draft former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Eagles won 10 games last season and that wasn't good enough to make it into the playoffs this year after they won the NFC East the previous season. Kelly was given control over the Eagles personnel decisions this offseason after Howie Roseman was moved to the business side of the organization and that could open things up for the move. According to NJ.com, Kelly and the Eagles and Kelly are interested in trading up for Mariota, as Kelly thinks he could be a strong fit for his offensive system.
Kelly and the Eagles making the deal is not guaranteed, but NJ.com also reports that the Rams are interested in trading for Foles and that could be one move that helps the Eagles move up. The Rams want some insurance for Sam Bradford and they also have the number 10 pick in the draft. The Eagles likely would have to get into the top five for Mariota, but getting the number 10 picks could be just one of multiple trades. The report also says that the Texans, Browns and Titans also could be potential fits for Foles.
Foles has won 14 games under Kelly in two seasons and he has shown that he can be a solid starting quarterback in the NFL. Foles had a breakout 2013 with 27 interceptions and just two picks in 13 games, but last season he took a step back. Foles played in only eight games before coming down with a collarbone injury, but in that time he was completing less than 60 percent of his passes and had 13 touchdowns and 10 picks. The previous season he completed 64 percent of his passes and looked better in Kelly's offense.
Last season the Eagles ranked in the top 10 in offense, coming in sixth in passing yards and ninth in rushing yards per game. Kelly did that with Mark Sanchez handling things for half the season and while he was solid for 2014, Kelly likely wants his own guy in there and someone with a bit more accuracy than Sanchez. Last season Foles started off as the number one quarterback before getting injured and while Kelly also likes what he has in Foles, reports say he would rather have someone else as the franchise quarterback moving forward.
Moving up to get Mariota could be a job-defining move and it also could be what judges Kelly on whether he will be in Philly long term. Kelly is not like most other head coaches, as he brings in more than just the job title, as he has his own culture and own way of running things, especially on offense. That is why it would not be a major surprise for him to trade up and while giving up draft picks is always a tough choice, Kelly may feel that it's worth it to get Mariota.