NFL Insider reveals why Indianapolis Colts took a chance on Nick Foles
The Indianapolis Colts have signed veteran quarterback Nick Foles on a two-year deal. Foles is expected to be the backup quarterback for Matt Ryan, who they also acquired this off-season from the Atlanta Falcons. This could be the perfect fit as both quarterback and coach have had their best seasons while working together.
Breaking: Former Super Bowl MVP QB Nick Foles has agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts.
He's back with Frank Reich. 🙌 https://t.co/Y9Y3r0Tt3K
Head coach Reich previously lobbied for Carson Wentz and pushed the team to trade for the quarterback in the 2021 offseason. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out and Wentz was sent packing after just one season with the franchise.
Now Reich is reaching out to another familiar face who he has a long history with. Reich is doing what he did in Philadelphia, calling on Foles yet again to be his backup.
Our sources reveal that Nick Foles and the Colts have had discussions on and off for years, since Frank Reich over as the team's head coach.
Nick Foles and Frank Reich's history together
Foles and Reich have regularly kept in touch. Even though they went their separate ways professionally after the quarterback left the Eagles for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. Nobody knows the importance of a strong backup quarterback more than the pair. In 2017 after Wentz got hurt, Foles stepped in and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl win.
Reich was the team's offensive coordinator at the time. The quarterback won two of their three final regular-season games after stepping in for Wentz, who tore his ACL and LCL in December in Los Angeles.
The quarterback led Philadelphia to wins over the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional round and the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game, but what he did in the Super Bowl will always be legendary.
"You want Philly Philly?"
"Yeah. Let's do it."
Three years ago, the "Philly Special" was born as the Eagles claimed their first Super Bowl title 🏆
(via @NFLFilms) https://t.co/xR4m2zeRyx
Foles outdueled Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII for the team's first Super Bowl title. He was not only named the Super Bowl MVP, but became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for and catch a touchdown in a Super Bowl, thanks to what is known as the “Philly Special.”
The Super Bowl MVP completed 28-of-43 passes for 373 yards with three touchdowns and caught a one-yard touchdown pass late in the second quarter on a trick play.
Since leaving Philadelphia in 2018, the quarterback has been trying to re-create the magical year he had with Reich. He went to Jacksonville as their next franchise quarterback in 2019 but it only lasted one season.
He then went to Chicago to reconnect with another former Eagles assistant coach in Matt Nagy, but that lasted only two seasons, with the quarterback struggling with consistency and playing time. He started only eight games in two seasons with the Bears, and only one game last season. His only appearance came Week 16 in Seattle, when he threw for 250 yards and one touchdown in another signature comeback win.
The Bears released him earlier this month after they failed to find a viable trade. Foles has thrown for 14,003 yards and 82 touchdowns in 56 starts and 68 regular-season games.
At 33 years old, this could very well be the final stop for the well-traveled veteran, who has been with 6 different teams since 2012, including two tours of duty with the Eagles.