Stock watch is a hot phrase when assessing an athlete's trade value, and Eagles quarterback Nick Foles sent his stock into another galaxy Sunday while leading Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl win in franchise history.
Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns to help the Eagles earn a 41-33 win. He consistently hit receivers while showcasing poise in the pocket and a strong arm to hit tight spots.
This @NFoles_9 pass was absolutely perfect. #SBLII #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/v3NOAeUTKM
— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2018
The NFL was in a quarterback drought this season, as a number of teams struggled to find consistent signal-callers. Foles has one season left on his current contract, with free agency coming after the 2018 season, but teams will almost certainly be knocking on Philadelphia's door to inquire about Foles this offseason.
And why not? He spent most of the season with a clipboard, watching as second-year pro Carson Wentz dazzled Eagles fans with mouth-watering glimpses into the future. But Foles answered the call when Wentz went down with a torn ACL late in the season, maintaining in the NFC championship and Super Bowl the same high-level offense the Eagles enjoyed with Wentz.
"I'm going to stay aggressive with Nick and let his playmakers make plays," Eagles head coach Doug Pederson said on NBC before the Super Bowl.
That's about as big a compliment a head coach can make about his backup quarterback entering a Super Bowl, and he meant it. The playbook was open all game Sunday, allowing Foles to throw downfield, audible and even catch a touchdown pass.
After his success late this season, and Foles becoming a Super Bowl winner, it's hard to imagine him accepting a backup role with so many starting opportunities awaiting this offseason.
Even possible contending teams such as the Vikings, Cardinals and Broncos appear poised to add quarterbacks to their rosters, and Foles could be the perfect option.
The way Foles' contract is structured makes it likely Philadelphia will trade him this offseason. Though Foles signed a five-year deal with the Eagles before the 2016 season, his contract becomes void if he's still on the roster in February 2019.
While the Eagles just witnessed the importance of having an elite backup QB, they could be more enticed to cash in on Foles' sudden popularity and earn compensation for him this offseason.
WHAT A GAME!
— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2018
FINAL: The @Eagles just won the @SuperBowl! #SBLII #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/eHVImTtYVk
Given the caveat in Foles' contract, his future seems fairly simple: He likely won't be in an Eagles uniform next season. Where he ends up is a question, but the Cardinals seem like a perfect solution. Arizona is a veteran team, and assuming Larry Fitzgerald does return next season, it has the offensive weapons to contend.
Foles proved this postseason that he can lead a team to the promised land, and the Cardinals aren't ready to rebuild just yet, despite losing Carson Palmer to retirement.
After being named one of the most unlikely Super Bowl MVPs in history, Foles looks poised to move on from the Eagles next season and give another team a chance to compete in the playoffs.
