The Philadelphia Eagles may look at a trade with Nick Foles if Chip Kelly wants to trade up to get Marcus Mariota and teams like the Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be interested in making a move with the Eagles for their quarterback.
The Eagles had Foles as the starter last season before he was injured and replaced by Mark Sanchez and now his future worth the team could be in question. According to Pro Football Talk, NJ.com reports that there are a number of teams interested in making a trade for Foles, with the St. Louis Rams being at the top of the list. The report says that while the team wants to keep Sam Bradford at QB, they understand he has had injury issues and may not be able to rely on him next season.
The Titans and Texans were also mentioned, while ESPN.com writer Jeremy Fowler adds that the Browns also could be in the mix. The Titans have the number two pick in the draft and that could be a way for Kelly to get Mariota. The team needs a QB and could be interested in Foles, who has had a 14-4 record under Kelly. This past season Foles regressed a bit from his 2013 performance, as he had 13 TDs and 10 picks in just eight games.
Foles had his completion percentage decrease as well and that was an issue for Kelly, as an accurate QB is crucial for his system. Foles showed off some of his potential the previous season, as he passed for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 13 games while putting up nearly 3000 passing yards. There were reports last year that Kelly was not "sold" on Foles as a long term option in Philly and now he may orchestrate his exit.
Kelly is a very particular kind of coach and his unique style and scheme makes him one of the most valuable pieces in the league. Kelly may want his own quarterback, as he did not draft Foles, and he previously had Mariota at Oregon and may target him. NJ.com reported earlier this offseason that Kelly was already planning to go after Mariota, looking to make multiple trades up in the draft to get him. The biggest issue for Kelly may be whether the Buccaneers take Jameis Winston or not and if he is feeling frisky, he could try and trade with Tampa Bay.
While Foles has said his plan is to be with the team in 2015, things could change between now and the draft and between the draft and training camp. The Eagles have the chance to make moves in the draft if they choose to, as they have all of their picks coming into the event. Kelly was given more power over personnel and now he may try and use it. The Eagles come into the offseason after missing the playoffs and now they have the chance to make some big moves this offseason.
