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The Philadelphia Eagles lost their Super Bowl winning back-up quarterback this offseason and are hunting for his replacement.
For the Philadelphia Eagles the 2018 season, their first ever as defending Super Bowl champions, was muddied by an on-going quarterback battle. First round pick and franchise quarterback Carson Wentz was back from injury. Meanwhile his backup Nick Foles was coming off leading the team to their only Super Bowl. Coach Doug Pederson had a tough decision on his hands. Ultimately the job went to Wentz with Foles being the backup and a damn fine one at that.
Foles is now in Jacksonville after signing a big money deal to be the Jaguars’ starter next season. That deal left a hole on the Eagles roster behind Wentz. In what will be his fourth year, Wentz is looking to play all 16 games for only the second time in his career. He’s had back luck with injuries and the Eagles understand they need to prepare for that.
The NFL Draft is only weeks away and Philadelphia is reportedly interested in the quarterback prospects that will be available. Zach Berman of Philly.com reported that Philadelphia plans on investing a draft pick on a backup for Wentz.
This comes just days after the Eagles signed AAF stand-out quarterback Luis Perez. He will battle incumbent back-up Nate Sudfeld in camp. Those are intriguing options but the team would be wise to grab a younger prospect to develop behind Wentz.
Multiple teams have tried to replicate what Philadelphia is looking to do. In Berman’s article, Coach Pederson calls it developing a “pipeline” at the position. Former Eagles coach Andy Reid was notorious for this in the past. At the game’s most important position it is crucial to have contingency plans. These coaches also understand that a well developed second string quarterback can bring back serious returns in a trade.
Philadelphia has multiple late round picks, including two in the fourth. That would be a sweet spot for intriguing options at the position. Buffalo’s Tyree Jackson and his strong arm would be a consideration. West Virginia’s gunslinger Will Grier makes sense with his strengths. Finally Auburn’s Jarrett Stidham has the traits and experience that will appeal to NFL coaches.