Mark Sanchez Returning To Philly An Indication That Eagles Could Trade Up For Marcus Mariota?

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer mentions that while it’s not surprising that the Eagles re-signed QB Mark Sanchez, but the specifics of the contract he received could be an indication of more changes at the quarterback position.

• Mike Garafolo reports that Sanchez receives a two-year contract worth $9 million and includes $5.5 million guaranteed.
• Sanchez can also make $16 million over the two years, depending on if he reaching incentives included in the agreement.

McLane believes that this contract adds momentum to the idea that the Eagles could either trade up for Oregon QB Marucs Mariota in this year’s draft.

“The deal suggests that Sanchez will have every opportunity to earn a starting spot,” McLane writes. “It also suggests what The Inquirer reported last week — that Eagles coach Chip Kelly has a plan in place to move up in the draft and select Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.”

There’s still the issue of Nick Foles and what they would do with him.

According to McLane, Foles could be “the odd man out” in Philadelphia, as he could probably be moved for a high draft pick if the Eagles are, in fact, set on trading up for Mariota. 

However, McLane cautions that the Sanchez signing doesn’t guarantee that Foles will be trade.

Foles, 26, still has one year remaining on his four-year, $2.769 million rookie contract and will make a base salary of $1.522 million for the 2015 season.

Last year, Foles appeared in only eight games after he sustained a broken collarbone. He completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,163 yards to go along with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 25 quarterback out of 39 qualifying players.