If the Rams extend Foles, here’s what it could look like.

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles (9) throws during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks are at their highest premium in league history right now. In order to win in this league you need a top tier player throwing the ball. Period. Bradford was not that, and that was a very deflating thing for the franchise to admit, but Foles offers a new opportunity to help the Rams offense become relevant again. Combine the prospect of a productive offense with the new shut-down defense in St. Louis and you have one very giddy fan base. The Rams need to be careful if they decide to extend Foles prior to the end of the season. Blind loyalty isn’t loyalty at all its recklessness.

For the sake of argument, let’s take a look at some players and their contracts that most closely fit the Rams situation and Foles style of play. Wagoner, highlights two very good examples in his piece when he mentions both Alex Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Dalton out in Cincinnati. Both players have team friendly contracts that were low risk/ high reward.  Dalton signed a six-year deal paying out $16 million per year. However, only $17 million was guaranteed. Smith signed a similar, but larger, four-year deal paying him $18 million per year. Again though, he received $14 of the $45 million guaranteed up front. with high salaries in the early years both players are essentially on year-to-year deals as Wagoner describes.

Let’s evaluate the Rams situation. A team that doesn’t have the strongest receiver crop, but has a couple impact players. A new offensive coordinator that has done amazing things with average offenses as noted previously on Ramblin’ Fan. But a head coach that works best when his offensive scheme is run heavy. It’s safe to say they are still searching for an identity. Foles, again, has shown flashes of brilliance, but has looked very average at times too. He is tall lanky quarterback that is more apt to sit in the pocket, than make a play with his legs. His success hinges on the success of those around him more than some other quarterbacks in this league (i.e. Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton, Colin Kaepernick.)

Ultimately, if St. Louis extends Foles it should look something like $13-$15 million per year over the course of 4-5 years. Guaranteed money should land in the area of $18-$20 million and by loading that on the front of the contract in a signing bonus and roster bonuses, the Rams can save themselves some face later in the deal if they need to unload him. Foles, like many of the younger prospects in this league are all calculated risks. Not one player is a sure thing. Don’t forget, even after all this Foles may decide not to sign a deal and bet on himself to get through the year healthy and post big stats for a shot at some serious free agency money.