The Indianapolis Colts released quarterback Nick Foles on Friday, possibly signaling an end to the former Super Bowl MVP’s career.
The move makes sense, as Indianapolis used the No. 4 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft to select Florida signal-caller Anthony Richardson. The Colts had also earlier this spring signed 26-year-old Gardner Minshew. Minshew has proven to be a very serviceable backup and a quality fill-in starter when needed over the course of his four-year NFL career.
The Colts have 2021 sixth-round pick Sam Ehlinger on their depth chart as the likely third-string quarterback. The 24-year-old played four games during the 2022 season, making three starts and going 64-for-101 for 573 passing yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Foles, 34, went 25-of-42 for 224 passing yards, no touchdowns and four interceptions across three games (two starts) last season with Indianapolis. He has not played in double-digit games since 2015, when he was a member of the then-St. Louis Rams. The 2020 season was his only one since then where he made more than five starts or played inmore than seven games.
While Foles has largely been a mediocre NFL quarterback during his 11-season career, he will be a Philadelphia legend for years to come due to his Pro Bowl 2013 season, and more so, for leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
During the first season of his second stint in Philly in 2017, Foles took over as the starting signal-caller when Carson Wentz went down with an injury midway through the year. Foles guided the Eagles through the playoffs that winter and ultimately out-dueled Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in a 41-33 victory in Super Bowl LII.
Foles finished that big game 28-for-43 for 373 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception, while adding a one-yard touchdown reception on what has been dubbed the “Philly Special.”
