Nick Foles Almost Played For This NFL Team

It was announced yesterday that Nick Foles will be retiring from the NFL after an 11-year career. He played for multiple teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, St Louis Rams, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Foles' 2017 playoff run was legendary, eventually leading to the Eagles winning a Superbowl. The craziest fact is that it almost never came to be and he almost signed with another team.

He Almost Signed With...

The team that Mr. Foles almost signed with at that time was, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

A big reason why Foles got the offer from Tampa Bay was because of his close connection to Dirk Koetter. Koetter tried recruiting him at Arizona State and felt comfortable getting Foles on his roster with their relationship. Koetter felt Foles was the answer for a departing Mike Glennon.

In Nick Foles's book, he admitted "Both offers made it clear that they wanted me there to help improve the backup situation and mentor a young quarterback,". No matter where he went, Foles was going to become the backup. The choice was going to be playing behind either Jameis Winston or Carson Wentz.

Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, he chose to decline their contract and sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Why He Chose To Return To Philadelphia

Foles chose to return to Philadelphia, due to his family. At the time, his wife was pregnant and after talking with her, they wanted to bring their daughter into the world in Philadelphia. It also helped that they already knew the ins and outs of the city, so it was perfect to get settled for the time with a newborn. As a result, he accepted the 2-year deal in Philadelphia.

What Was Tampa's Plan B?

Since Tampa Bay couldn't get Foles, they had to go in a different direction and decided to sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to backup Winston. Fitzpatrick was solid in Tampa as the starter. His record with the Buccaneers was 4-6. He threw for 3,469 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Tampa never went to the playoffs once during the time Fitzpatrick played with the team.

Why It Was For the Best He Chose Philadelphia

It was for the best that he chose Philadelphia, because it was the right place and right time with Foles. Philadelphia was the much better team talent-wise and coaching-wise. It led to Foles getting the opportunity to be the hero for the Eagles. He won a Superbowl and even became the MVP of Superbowl 52.

Tampa was horrendous, and even if Foles signed there, the team was going nowhere. No offense to Foles, but he'd probably be out of the league if he went there. Many forget he almost retired when he left the Kansas City Chiefs after the 2016 season was over. There would have been a real chance he chose to retire once his contract in Tampa was over, but it's impossible to know for sure.

Foles had one of the greatest comebacks the NFL has ever seen, accomplished a lot, and even won a Superbowl. He is going to be honored by the Philadelphia Eagles in their home opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 16th. He could be an NFL Hall of Famer if the year is right. Thank you for everything, Mr Foles.