AP Source: Eagles haven't discussed trading Foles

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

By ROB MAADDI

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Eagles aren't considering trading quarterback Nick Foles at all, a person familiar with the team's plans told The Associated Press on Friday.

Despite restructuring Michael Vick's contract and signing Dennis Dixon, the Eagles haven't been shopping Foles and it may take a significant offer to get them to even think about it.

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Eagles won't publicly discuss trade rumors, said new coach Chip Kelly and the front-office brass "haven't discussed trading Foles with any team."

Foles was selected in the third round with the 88th overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. The Eagles "absolutely" rate his value higher than that because of his success as a rookie, the person said.

Foles replaced an injured Vick last November and started six games, going 1-5 on a team that finished 4-12.

He completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 1,699 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions.

When the season ended, it appeared Foles was poised to be the team's No. 1 quarterback going forward and Vick was heading elsewhere. But after Kelly was hired to replace Andy Reid, Foles' future in Philadelphia became questionable.

Foles is a classic, dropback passer who doesn't possess the speed or mobility to fit into the up-tempo offense Kelly successfully ran at Oregon. But Kelly insists there's more than one way to run his offense and he'll work his system around his personnel. After all, New England coach Bill Belichick borrowed from Kelly's offensive philosophy and Tom Brady is purely a pocket passer.

"I don't think what we do offensively can be said in one or two words that we're either this or we're this," Kelly said. "There is a skill set that Nick has that really excites me about him."

The decision to keep Vick at a much lower salary seemed to indicate he'd be the front-runner, but there's no guarantee the Eagles won't trade or release him if Foles outperforms him this spring and summer.

Kelly plans to have Vick and Foles compete for the starting job in training camp. Dixon, signed off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad this week, played for Kelly at Oregon and is quite familiar with his read-zone offense. But Dixon has started just three games in five seasons in the NFL and he isn't even a lock to make the roster.

"There is an open competition," Kelly said. "Michael knows that. Nick knows that. Nick knew every step of the way what we were doing. I wanted to make sure Nick was included in the plans, and I think both of them have outstanding qualities in terms of being quarterbacks in this league. Both of them have started in this league."

Should the Eagles decide to deal Foles, the Kansas City Chiefs are considered a logical destination because Reid drafted and groomed him last year. The Chiefs also have uncertainty at the position and aren't likely going to keep Matt Cassell.

Though Reid was fired by the Eagles after 14 seasons, he left on great terms and still maintains an excellent relationship with team executives. The Chiefs have the No. 1 overall pick in a draft that doesn't appear to have a franchise quarterback worthy of that choice. They also have the 34th and 63rd picks in the second and third rounds.

Maybe that's what it would take to get the Eagles to think about moving Foles. For now, though, he's not going anywhere.

---

Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobMaaddi

Updated February 15, 2013