Eagles

Report: Eagles Inform Nick Foles They Will Exercise 2019 Option

By Bob Wankel

Published: Feb 5th, 2019 · 7:52 PM EST

---

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:

Eagles have notified Nick Foles that they will exercise his 2019 option, per source.

— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) February 6, 2019

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

UPDATE 1: It did not take five days.

And Nick Foles officially is informing the Eagles that he is voiding the option, per source. https://t.co/W9TmZsSAzq

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 6, 2019

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:

What happens first. Foles or Harper on their 2019 team?

— Alex Weirich (@Juggsy28) February 6, 2019

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.