The Los Angeles Rams have announced the release of quarterback Nick Foles. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo said Foles requested the release, and the Rams complied. After being released, Foles becomes a free agent and is not subject to waivers.
"We have been in contact with Nick and his representation throughout the offseason and we feel that this is the best decision for all parties involved," Rams coach Jeff Fisher said in a statement released by the team. "We appreciate the contributions that Nick has made to our organization in his time as a Ram and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors."
Foles, 27, signed a two-year extension with the Rams shortly after they acquired him prior to the 2015 season. But his play was lackluster and the Rams felt strongly about Cal quarterback Jared Goff, whom they traded up to draft with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
That put Foles' future in doubt just one season after joining the team that seemed invested in his potential to be a franchise quarterback when they acquired him. Foles has got a lot of mileage out of his 2013 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, when he threw for 27 touchdowns against just two interceptions in 13 games played.
Despite his regression the next year, the Rams believed there was still something there. That experiment was brief, though. Foles played in 11 games for the Rams last season, completing 56.4 percent of his passes for 2,052 yards with seven touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
Foles has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 8,805 yards with 53 touchdowns and 27 interceptions in his career. Taking his stats as a whole, he seemingly has a lot to offer, but his numbers from 2013 are giving him a significant boost as his other three seasons, none of which were full seasons, were anywhere close. He's played in 39 career games with the Rams and Eagles.
Foles made it to the Pro Bowl in 2013 and led the NFL in passer rating. He had a perfect game against the Oakland Raiders that season. The Rams suggested they were confident in Case Keenum as a quarterback, and Goff will likely be starting right away as the top pick in the draft.
This move comes on the day Rams rookies were to report to training camp. Veterans are scheduled to report to camp Thursday.
It’s likely another team will take a chance on Foles, and he has the opportunity to land somewhere new near the beginning of training camp.