(AUDACY) The idea of Bears quarterback Nick Foles returning to the Northeast in a trade to wear a green jersey just seems so right to some -- but it may not be in the midnight green uniform of the Philadelphia Eagles. It could be in Gotham green threads of the New York Jets.
While it's still a rumination at this time, there's a "clear connection" between the Bears and Jets in a potential Foles trade, according to ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler.
"Paying a third-string quarterback $4 million in guarantees is tough for the cash-strapped Bears, and there's a clear connection to the New York Jets," Fowler wrote (h/t Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire). "GM Joe Douglas was with Foles in Philly. The Jets have zero NFL experience in their quarterback room. It's uncertain whether Foles actually wants to go to New York, but don't be surprised in New York looks into this one."
If the Jets are interested — which would make sense considering their quarterback depth chart contains rookie Zach Wilson, James Morgan and Mike White — it probably wouldn't take much for the Bears to agree to a deal. Having both Andy Dalton and Nick Foles while also focusing on the development of rookie Justin Fields seems like an added luxury in terms of experience and depth, but it's also added weight in terms of the finances. Trading Foles, as Fowler noted, would free up $4 million in cap space for the Bears. Beyond that, the Bears have already explored the trade market for Foles earlier this offseason.
Foles, 32, threw for 1,852 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in nine games, including seven starts, for Chicago in 2020. He had an 80.8 passer rating.
While a dramatic return to Philadelphia isn't in the cards for Foles, he could be the best bet to give the new-look Jets a veteran presence.
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