Pros and Cons of Lions Signing QB Nick Foles

Evaluating whether the Lions should sign backup quarterback Nick Foles.

Nick Foles lived every NFL quarterback's dream when he led the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory. 

Despite starting the 2018 season as the backup, he stepped in without missing a beat, and led his team to the top of the proverbial mountaintop after Carson Wentz suffered a torn ACL. 

Just four years later, though, he's back on the free-agent market, after being released by the Indianapolis Colts. 

He doesn't provide much upside as a starter in the league currently, as he's won just three of his past 11 starts. However, a team in need of a backup may be willing to take in the 34-year-old. 

The Detroit Lions have been vocal about their plans to add a backup behind starter Jared Goff. 

Though they drafted Hendon Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, concerns about his health in the immediate future open the door to possibly adding a player like Foles. 

Detroit has struggled to find a reliable and experienced backup quarterback to play behind Goff. 

Last offseason, Detroit parted ways with David Blough and Tim Boyle, prior to the start of the season. 

“We were looking at some quarterbacks that had a little more game experience, but obviously, it just didn’t work out. But, it’s not like we had a pool of experienced quarterbacks that we were just looking at," Lions general manager Brad Holmes said at the NFL owners' meetings. "Really, it was down to three guys, including Nate (Sudfeld). So, it was two guys that we were kind of just looking at, and it didn’t work out.”

Foles would bring Super Bowl pedigree, having been named the MVP for his victory over Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. 

During his prime, he displayed significant arm talent, to go along with a calm demeanor in leading his team. In five years with the Eagles, he was 21-11 as a starter. 

Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Nick Foles / © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Having played for six different teams, he has plenty of scheme versatility, plus an understanding of the intricacies that come with being a productive signal-caller.

However, his arm talent has deteriorated in recent years. In two starts for the Indianapolis Colts last season, he struggled immensely. 

The veteran failed to throw a touchdown pass in those appearances, while tossing four interceptions.

The Lions are committed to Goff and to developing Hooker as the backup option. Adding a veteran to help mentor the rookie, while offering the ability to perform well in spot duty, is likely. 

However, Foles' recent appearances have been uninspiring. His last win as a starter came in 2021, as a member of the Chicago Bears.  

He has experienced plenty of highs and lows, and would be a good presence in the team's quarterbacks room. Yet, the Lions could find a more reliable backup in the short term.