An already likely landing spot for Nick Foles just got a lot more attractive for the soon-to-be free agent quarterback.
According to an NFL Network report, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be hiring John DeFilippo to be their new offensive coordinator. DeFilippo worked for the Eagles from 2016 to 2017 before leaving to be the offensive coordinator in Minnesota. After that failed, he is now in Jacksonville.
DeFilippo's familiarty with Foles could end up being what brings Foles to the Jaguars, as Foles played arguably his best football with DeFilippo as the quarterback coach, winning Super Bowl LII. Foles has stressed he wants to sign with a team that he feels comfortable with, and DeFilippo could bring him that reassurance.
The Jaguars are coming off of an incredibly disappointing season, as a year that started with hopes of a Super Bowl title ended with sitting at home in the playoffs. Quarterback Blake Bortles is part of the reason why, and after being benched midway through the season, there is a strong chance he is not back in Jacksonville. If the Jaguars' defense can return to it's 2017 form, the Jaguars could be back to being a contender very soon — especially with Foles at quarterback. The issue with the Jaguars is cap space, as they are currently $7 million over the salary cap, but they do have plenty of ways to clear up the cash to bring in Foles.
Now that DeFilippo is there, you have to wonder if the Jaguars will make an extra push to bring Foles in -- or if the Eagles will be able to pull of a trade that landed them an asset in return.
Foles will be able to buy back his free agency later this offseason, when he can decline a mutual option with the team, a decision that would cost him $2 million. Buying his way into the free agency market could be extremely lucrative for Foles and could land him the ability to start — something he almost certainly won't get in Philadelphia. The Eagles do have the option, however, of placing the franchise tag on Foles, which would allow them to own his rights and trade him.
There is risk involved, but if they are willing to bring him back at the franchise tag number, and the Jaguars really want him, a deal could be struck.
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
