Locking up quarterback Nick Foles on a long-term deal is a priority for the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The Rams have had initial talks with Foles’ camp and those conversations should ramp up as the season approaches.
Foles, of course, was acquired by the Rams from the Eagles in March in exchange for Sam Bradford. For his part, Foles was apparently ecstatic to be out of Philadelphia. The signal caller is currently scheduled to make $1.5MM this year, his final season under contract.
For the Rams, their motivation is fairly obvious. If Foles enjoys a strong season in 2015, he’ll make himself extremely pricey to retain on a long-term deal and the Rams want to avoid using the franchise tag on him. The Rams might be taking a leap of faith by trying to lock up Foles for multiple years, but they’re also hungry for stability under center after watching Bradford sidelined for much of his tenure in St. Louis.
Foles, a former third-round pick, had his breakout season in 2013, when he threw for 2,891 yards, 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions. A broken collar bone ended his 2014 season, and the 26-year-old finished with 2,163 yards, 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in eight games.
In 2013, his breakout campaign, Foles finished with a 7.4 overall grade by Pro Football Focus‘ (subscription required) metrics, good for No. 17 in the league amongst qualified QBs. Last season, in his injury-shortened season (link, sub. req’d), Foles placed No. 25 in the league with a below average -7.4 rating.