What signing Nick Foles would mean for the Jaguars
By David Levin
If the Jacksonville Jaguars do sign quarterback Nick Foles to a free agent contract, what impact would it have on the franchise moving forward?
The writing is on the wall. The rumors have grown stronger. Now, all it takes is for the news of the Jacksonville Jaguars signing Nick Foles to a free agent contract to become a reality.
If the news is true and the Jaguars pony up the believed $20 million per season to obtain the former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, it would certainly be looked upon as one of the better free agent moves by the franchise, mirroring the activity in 2017 that brought Calais Campbell. A. J Bouye and Barry Church to North Florida.
A lot would be riding on signing a 30-year-old journeyman to become the savior of a franchise that could become an instant playoff contender by most accounts. Personally, I think there is more to be done to secure playoff tickets for 2019. Still, any change at the quarterback position must be viewed as a step in the right direction after the disaster of last season and a forgetful 5-11 record.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- The Jacksonville Jaguars got so lucky with the 2021 NFL Draft
- Jacksonville Jaguars opt for continuity at RB, re-sign JaMycal Hasty
- Jaguars Mock Draft: Huge trade for a WR, add more help on offense
- 3 landing spots for Jacksonville Jaguars WR Marvin Jones in 2023 NFL free agency
- 3 takeaways from Jacksonville Jaguars decision to give DE Roy Robertson-Harris new 3-year deal
Should the Jaguars attempt to change the course of their history and sign the best free agent quarterback on the market here are a few things it would do to the state of the franchise for free agency, the NFL Draft and the season ahead.
The NFL Draft Focus Changes – No longer are the Jaguars in the market for a quarterback in the first round and the front office changes its direction. The offensive line and the tight end position draw attention.
Will Jacksonville add Jawaan Taylor from Florida to play right tackle? Do they take a shot at Chris Lindstrom in the second round out of Boston College? Will the team then focus on Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson?
All of this could also mean the team trades down with a quarterback-needy team, acquiring draft picks to help build depth.
The Addition of Free Agent Weapons – If Foles comes to the Jaguars, who comes with him?
Jacksonville could still add players to give their new signal caller more weapons to play with. I like the possibility of Golden Tate coming over from Philadelphia and I am still high on Justin Hardy from Atlanta.
Jacksonville is also said to be looking at Jesse James, the Pittsburgh Steelers tight end. And there is a chance they add one more veteran in free agency.
The Jaguars will still need a running back, with Frank Gore the one I hope the team targets. Someone like Tevin Coleman would be a great move, but he could prove too costly, especially since the team just backed the Brinks truck up to TIAA Bank Field.
An Impending Divorce – We all know this is about to happen, but signing Foles means the Jaguars undoubtedly will release Blake Bortles. Bortles, who has spent five years in Jacksonville, has put his home at the beach up for sale.
Not sure if it is related to the potential of his departure, but it is big news here in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars would most likely keep Cody Kessler on the roster and could still draft a quarterback in the third round for the future. Tanner Lee may never see the field and I am not sure where Alex McGough fits in the team’s plans.
A Happy Fan Base – Don’t let it be said the Jaguars fans haven’t been patient. A 10-6 season in 2017 led us to believe this team had turned the corner. And for all we know, it has except for injuries and poor quarterback play.
Foles signals a new era of Jaguars football. This team defensively is still solid and new offensive coordinator John DiFilippo could make this a fun offense to watch.
Next. Jaguars Trade Rumors: Team looks to deal veterans. dark
The Jaguars celebrate 25 years of NFL history this season and a new signal caller would ticket sales, much like it did last offseason after the team made the playoffs for the first time in a decade.