As the offseason continues to unfold, the quarterback market already has one less option with veteran Joe Flacco agreeing in principle to a deal with the Broncos for next season. So, with Flacco out of the way, all eyes will be focused on what Nick Foles decides to do after buying himself out for $2 million.
Foles will have a few options, including the Jaguars and potentially the Redskins if Washington believes Alex Smith won't be ready after his devastating leg injury. But what about the Giants?
Well, Foles seems all for signing with the Eagles' rival, as multiple sources told NJ.com's Zach Rosenblatt the veteran would "probably" be interested if the Giants decided Eli Manning isn't the man they want under center in 2019.
Foles may want to join Big Blue if that was the case, but the Eagles could make sure Foles does not join their NFC East rival by placing the franchise tag on him.
The franchise tag would tender Foles for one season at roughly $25 million guaranteed --whether he plays or not--and allow them to either work out a long-term deal or trade him to a team outside the division.
However, the Eagles face some issues going this route, too.
Should they tag Foles without the intent of trying to re-sign him, the quarterback and his agent could file a grievance with the NFL that the franchise tag was not used in "good faith."
They also may have difficulty finding a trade partner because any team that is interested in acquiring Foles would likely want to be assured he would sign an extension if traded. If the Eagles cannot work out a trade by the start of the new league year--March 13--Foles' $25 million will count against the Eagles' salary cap and they would be forced to cut ties with multiple players in order to get under the salary cap.
Teams can begin placing the franchise tag on player starting Feb. 19 but unless the Eagles are confident or have a trade lined up for Foles then this route would be risky, but is it riskier than letting him enter free agency and possibly sign within the division?
There is certainly good reason why Foles would be interested in the Giants. He is familiar with head coach Pat Shurmur, who was Foles' offensive coordinator in Philadelphia during his lone Pro Bowl season in 2013 when he threw 27 touchdowns to two interceptions.
The Giants also have the weapons in Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham Jr. to win now and Foles would ideally give them a better opportunity at a playoff run than a yougn quarterback who still needs development.
Of course, the Giants may decide to stick with Manning in 2019 but if Foles hits free agency it is an intriguing option to consider.