Ian Rapoport first reported over the weekend that the Eagles intended to pick up the $20.6 million option on Nick Foles’ contract. ESPN’s Tim McManus checks in with confirmation of the move:

Foles has five days from the time of the official transaction to make a decision.

UPDATE 1: It did not take five days.

Foles will pay the Eagles $2 million of his 2018 bonus to buy his free agency. The Eagles now must decide if they’re willing to risk placing the franchise tag on the Super Bowl 52 MVP at a guaranteed $25 million salary for the 2019 season with the intent of moving him to another team when the new league year begins on March 13.

There is, of course, some risk involved. Foles’ contract would be fully guaranteed and it would significantly hamper the team’s ability to add during free agency should Howie Roseman fail to find a trade partner. That seems unlikely given Foles’ success over the past two seasons should create a market and Roseman has historically been successful when a little creativity is needed.

UPDATE 2:

WOW. Love this question. Harper has to be the heavy favorite to land somewhere first, but if I can get Foles at a +450 payout or better, I would probably have to take a shot. Never underestimate the perfect storm of a soft market and Scott Boras. I could see Foles already with his new team while Harper lands in right field via helicopter on Opening Day like he’s Steve Nebraska in The Scout. Brutal baseball movie. If you haven’t seen it, don’t.

UPDATE 3: Kyle berated me for this take. He is now making me rewatch the movie. Says it still holds up. We’ll see.

Anyway, just something to think about.