Jaguars should refrain from trading for QB Nick Foles

Even after making meaningful additions in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have many roster needs. However, quarterback isn’t one of them. In fact, they’re set at the position, which is why it wouldn’t make sense for them to trade for veteran Nick Foles.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently discussed five trades likely to happen before the 2022 NFL Draft and believes the Jags could acquire Foles from the Chicago Bears. Knox notes that Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reported the Bears have considered moving the veteran quarterback and sees Jacksonville as a good fit. He goes on to cite Foles’ starting experience and his ties to head coach Doug Pederson as the two main reasons.

"The Jacksonville Jaguars are the most logical landing spot for Foles. Jacksonville has 2021 No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence under center and could use a veteran mentor behind him. Current backup C.J. Beathard has 12 games of starting experience, but Foles has 56 regular-season starts, one Pro Bowl and a Lombardi Trophy on his resume. Foles also has experience with new Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson. He would be a tremendous presence in the quarterback room as Pederson introduces his schemes and concepts to Lawrence this offseason. He could help guide Lawrence from the sideline and be a reliable spot starter if necessary."

Keep in mind that this is only a hypothetical scenario and there are no actual reports of the Jaguars interested in trading for Foles. If this were indeed to happen, this would be his second stint in Jacksonville. Back in 2019, he signed a four-year, $88 million contract, which was a big mistake in retrospect. He appeared in four games and lost all of them, completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 736 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. With Garner Minshew earning the starting quarterback job, the Jags traded Foles to Chicago in 2020. So basically, the Jags would be getting him back from the same team they originally traded him to.

There’s no room for Nick Foles on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ roster.

In theory, Foles would be a solid addition to the Jaguars’ quarterback room. He’s the kind of grizzled veteran that can help Trevor Lawrence in his development. But that’s where the positives end. Over the last two seasons, Foles has gone 3-5 and has posted 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. The Jags can easily get that kind of production from C.J. Beathard who is still under contract for another year.

Moreover, the Jaguars still have Jake Luton and if they really want to add another quarterback, they can do it with one of their many late-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. Simply, trading for Foles seems unnecessary. Sure, he was the quarterback when the Philadephia Eagles won 52 and Doug Pederson was the head coach but that was almost five years ago. Of course, he would back Trevor Lawrence up in Jacksonville but even then, there are better options than him. Ask yourself, if Pederson weren’t the head coach, would it make sense for the Jags to trade for him?

The Jaguars expect Lawrence to stay healthy and avoid injuries in 2022 and beyond (who would want their start player to get injured?). But if he had to sit out a few games, C.J. Beathard could step in his play and keep the team afloat. That’s why the Jags should steer clear of Nick Foles.