The St. Louis Rams have found their quarterback for the future, or at least part of it. On Friday, the Rams signed newly acquired quarterback Nick Foles to a two-year $24.5 million extension. This deal will keep Foles in the blue and gold through the 2017 season. The extension was a highly contested subject as camp opened, but ultimately was the right course of action for the team.
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Foles will play out the final year of his four-year rookie contract at a salary of $1.5 million this season. Beginning in 2016, Foles salary will jump to an average of $12.25 million. The extension includes $13.9 million in guaranteed money.
Foles spoke about the extension at the conclusion of the teams scrimmage Friday night at Lindenwood University.
"“It’s something the team had talked to my people about, and I want to be here,” Foles said. “I want to focus on my teammates. I want to be all-in. I don’t want to have to worry about contract issues or anything. To me, that can be selfish. I’m very fortunate to be here. I’m fortunate to have a contract. To me, I’m very thankful.”(Nick Wagoner, ESPN)"
There were plenty of questions floating around this offseason after St. Louis acquired Foles as to whether or not they should offer the quarterback a long term deal. Foles doesn’t have a very large body of work, with only three years in the league. However, his explosive 2013 season, where he threw for 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions, and his film study and camp work seemed to be enough to convince the team to offer an extension.
Aug 1, 2015; Earth City, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (5) at Rams Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Head coach Jeff Fisher spoke about the deal and noted he felt it was a win-win situation.
"“It’s a good deal for us, good deal for him,” Fisher said. “He wants to be here, and we want him here right now. He’s done a lot of good things for us in a short period of time.”(Wagoner, ESPN)"
The two-year extension provides the Rams some wiggle room in evaluating Foles once the season begins. They no longer need to worry about the possibility of losing Foles to the free agent market at the conclusion of the season, and Foles can breathe a little easier knowing he has the backing and support of the Rams franchise.
Reports indicate there was no drop dead deadline for a deal between the two camps, but getting one done now, before the season begins was the best possible outcome.
Foles was acquired by St. Louis in the spring in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams shipped off former number one overall pick Sam Bradford. In addition to swapping starting quarterbacks, the Rams will see some additional compensation in the form of draft picks depending on how much Bradford plays with Philadelphia this season. Foles threw for almost 7,000 yards with the Eagles. Including 46 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and a completion percentage of 61.6.