Nick Foles 2014

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Quarterback Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles fumbles the ball in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams on October 5, 2014 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Rams 34-28 (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Earlier this week it was revealed by NJ Advance Media that Tra Thomas, the Eagles' former Pro Bowl tackle turned coach, would not be back with the team next season.

Lost in the shuffle of Thomas' contract not being renewed was a very interesting comment he made during an interview on 97.5 the Fanatic.

"You're gonna need a running quarterback," Thomas said, "if you're gonna run this type of offense."

Now this is just one opinion, but it is the closest thing the Eagles have had to a coach (albeit a now former one) coming out and saying head coach Chip Kelly needs a running quarterback. Considering Thomas has spent the past two seasons in the NovaCare Complex as a coach, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, it is a pretty educated opinion.

Thomas' comments are especially interesting considering where the Eagles are right now.

After finishing 10-6, and missing out on the playoffs, Kelly said at the end of the season that he would evaluate all the players, including quarterback Nick Foles. His refusal to say Foles would be the starting quarterback next season, combined with a NJ Advance Media report last November that the team "soured" on Foles, has opened the floodgate of speculation that he won't be back next season.

The debate on whether Foles is Kelly's guy has long been rooted in the fact that he isn't able to beat teams with his legs. In 2013, when Foles threw for 27 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 11 games, it wasn't an issue.

Last season, however, Foles struggled from the pocket, throwing 10 interceptions in just over seven games before fracturing his collarbone.

With Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota in the draft, a player that has been deemed Kelly's ideal quarterback, rumblings have already started that the Eagles will try to trade up and grab him.

A move that would also fit Thomas' opinion about what Kelly wants from his quarterback.

Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at eshorrpa@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Sports on Facebook.