The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to sign Nick Foles to a multi-year contract when the new league year opens.

The Jaguars are expected to release Blake Bortles and install Foles as their starter. Jacksonville will have to pay $6.5 million of Bortles' 2019 salary.

Howie Roseman said Wednesday that the team would not place the franchise tag on Foles, leaving him a free agent.

"He deserves an opportunity to lead a team," Roseman said.

Foles opted out of his contract with the Eagles by paying them back $2 million in February.

"I would love to lead a team," Foles said at the close of the 2018 season. "The starter thing, leading a team, impacting a locker room ... that's why we play the game -- to impact people, to create an atmosphere."