The Chicago Bears know they have no real use for Nick Foles at this point. Outside of being a terrific third-string backup, his value on the roster isn’t there. Andy Dalton provides the veteran experience. Justin Fields is the up-and-coming youngster. Foles is being paid way too much money for somebody who could end up being the third QB on the roster. This is why the team has tried to trade him most of the offseason.
Unfortunately, they haven’t found any takers. Teams just aren’t interested enough to pay the necessary money or give up a draft pick for him. It would seem the Bears are stuck with him for one more year. Or are they? Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was asked this question in his recent mailbag. Rather than offer a somewhat bland answer as can sometimes be the case, he offered something rather specific.
“The team that makes the most sense for Foles is the New York Jets. They’re going to start No. 2 pick Zach Wilson from Day 1 unless training camp and preseason are complete disasters for him. The only other quarterbacks on the roster are James Morgan, a fourth-round pick a year ago, and Mike White, who entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. The Jets could use a veteran with experience to show Wilson the ropes, help teach him how to study film and be a mentor of sorts.”
Does this suggest the Bears may have plans in mind?
Trading Foles after June 1st does make sense. It nets the Bears more cap space but also removes more of the guaranteed money the Jets would likely owe him. New York still has more than $25 million in cap space available. They can easily afford Foles’ contract. It wouldn’t cost much in terms of draft compensation to acquire him either. By contrast, their veteran options elsewhere are thin.
The only notable names that stand out as available include Robert Griffin III, Matt Schaub, and Nick Mullens. Not an inspiring group to choose from. Foles has loads of backup experience and a Super Bowl ring. Having him behind Zach Wilson would certainly be beneficial. To say nothing of his value to the locker room. Something that has been the case everywhere he goes.
Nick Foles has value whether he stays or goes
Trading him has benefits. The Bears could always use more cap space. They would receiver $4 million by moving him after June 1st. They also have just five picks in 2022. So any extra pick would help. That being said, it’s not like Foles would serve no purpose if he stayed on the roster. Having him in Fields’ ear can’t be a bad thing. Both in terms of how to keep himself constantly ready as a backup and also how to conduct himself in high-pressure situations.
Something Dalton isn’t always known for. Nick Foles is also a great locker room presence. Somebody who other players and coaches like and respect. It is never a bad thing having a guy like that around. Last but not least? Injuries happen in the NFL all the time. Including the quarterback position. There is no crime having as much depth as possible even if it is expensive.
That being said, his staying would alter standard procedure.
Head coach Matt Nagy has tended to always operate with two quarterbacks during the regular season. This while having a third stashed on the practice squad in case of emergency. That would open up a roster spot for another position elsewhere. Unless the Bears are able to trade Foles, that may not be possible this season. It will be interesting to see how they adjust.