Nick Foles could return to the Eagles in 2017

There’s been a lot of speculation about former Eagles players returning to Philadelphia this offseason. LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, and now ... Nick Foles?!

Yes, it could really happen.

As it turns out, the Eagles just might be in need of new backup quarterback this offseason. Chase Daniel is reportedly drawing interest on the trade market. And while the Eagles value him as a mentor to Carson Wentz, there’s no doubt they also value the $6 million they can save in cap space by trading him. Getting some kind of draft pick in return would be the cherry on top.

If Daniel is gone, there’s a real possibility Foles could be brought in to replace him. Foles will likely be a free agent when the new league year begins next week. The Chiefs aren’t expected to pick up his $6.4 million option for 2017.

The Eagles reportedly had interest in bringing Foles back last offseason when Philadelphia was dealing with a lot of uncertainty at the quarterback position. That obviously never happened, but many pointed out at the time how Doug Pederson is a big Foles fan. Pederson was the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach when Philadelphia drafted Foles in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Honestly, I don’t hate the idea of Foles as a backup in theory. He’s a fine backup quality player and he has some level of familiarity with the Eagles’ offense. But I really do hate the idea of him being viewed as anything more than that. The Eagles wouldn’t be signing him to challenge Wentz, of course, but I fear the day if/when Wentz struggles and some of Foles’ fan boys call for him to be the starter. It’s painfully obvious by now Foles just isn’t a good long-term starting option in this league. 2013 was a fun season but 27-2 was a fluke.

After looking at this year’s barren free agent quarterback market, Foles looks like the Eagles’ best backup option if the team needs to replace Daniel. The Eagles could also draft a quarterback but they’ll likely want a veteran behind the 24-year-old Wentz. A rookie wouldn’t be anything more than a third-string developmental passer.

So ... who’s fired up for the potential return of the 2014 Pro Bowl MVP?