Nick Foles seems content to cash paychecks and sit the bench from now until the sun burns out. That really is the only explanation as to why he returned to the Philadelphia Eagles on a two-year, $11 million free agent contract to back up starter Carson Wentz.
With Foles back on the depth chart the Eagles are expected to release backup quarterback Chase Daniel who should legitimately garner plenty of interest in this free agent market. Frankly, the Cleveland Browns should blow up his phone the second he hits the streets.
#Eagles and QB Nick Foles agree to terms on a two-year deal. #FlyEaglesFly
More: https://t.co/rCGd9xxOM4 pic.twitter.com/f18RKWCJ53
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 13, 2017
But back to Foles, who looked like an interesting quarterback in the present market. I’m a firm believer that NFL teams give up on QBs way too quickly after an off year and holding Foles’ performance with the then St. Louis Rams against him with Jeff Fisher and his sorry ass offensive coaches at the helm didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I mean, Chip Kelly is a shitty coach too. Not as shitty as Fisher, but shitty nonetheless, and Foles was fantastic for him in 2013. Less so in 2014, but Foles was injured a lot that season too.
Foles, back with Andy Reid in Kansas City, started one game against the Indianapolis Colts and was really good, beating the Colts 30-14, completing 16-of-22 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns with no picks. Foles looked like the wild card in this free agency rush and a chance for a team to nab a legit starting NFL quarterback on the cheap.
Foles obviously doesn’t see it that way. Content to back up again, any competitive fire has seemingly left Foles’ body and that’s not a guy you want to be your starting quarterback. As a business decision, it’s probably smart. Foles has already collected $15.9 million in his NFL career and if he plays out this contract, he’ll throw $11 million more on the pile. All while staying healthy, hit and concussion free. It’s not a bad gig.
But it’s a bummer for me, because, as I’ve said before, there are 32 NFL teams but not 32 NFL-level starting quarterbacks on the planet. Foles could have (and should have) been one of those legitimate starting guys. He’s decided against that. And while I can’t find fault in his logic, it still sucks for the league.
DeMarcus Ware retires
Any thought that outside linebacker and future Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware might join his former defensive coordinator Wade Phillips with the Los Angeles Rams went up in smoke Monday.
Ware officially announced his retirement on Twitter.
It's time …. pic.twitter.com/qlXpcNn12b
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) March 13, 2017
Ware played nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and three with the Denver Broncos, collecting a Super Bowl ring two seasons ago for his troubles. His 138.5 sacks are good enough for eighth all-time in NFL history. Ware led the NFL in sacks twice, recording 20 in 2008 with the Cowboys and 15.5 in 2010 with Dallas. In his 12 NFL seasons, Ware racked up double-digit sack seasons eight times.
Ware played in 10 games last season with some nagging injuries and started eight. He finished with 14 tackles and four sacks, the lowest sack total of his career.
Le’Veon Bell went under the knife Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell underwent surgery Monday to repair a core muscle injury. Bell missed nearly all of the Steelers’ embarassing AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots with what was then called a groin injury.
Bell is expected to be ready to work out in around six weeks. He’s not expected to miss any organized team activities or training camp.
#Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell finally had surgery today to fix a core muscle injury, source said. The normal timeline is 6 weeks or so.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2017
Bell’s injury status has caused the Steelers some problems in the offseason. The NFL is investigating Bell’s absence from the team’s injury report in the playoffs
I appreciate everyone's thoughts & prayers…surgery went really well, & groin already feels better than it did before! I'll be stronger! ✊🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) March 13, 2017
The Steelers hit Bell with the franchise tag before the free agency period began and are working on a long term deal for the all-universe running back.
Last year Bell appeared in just 12 regular season games thanks to a suspension and injuries, but still rushed for 1,268 yards, scored seven touchdowns on the ground, caught 75 passes for 616 yards and had two touchdowns receiving.
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