The Philadelphia Eagles knew this was coming, and the Washington Commanders are surely OK with it.
Fletcher Cox, age 33, is retiring.
As EaglesToday.com at SI has previously reported, the defensive lineman "did a thorough job in cleaning out his locker inside the team’s training facility at the end of the season" ... which we have suggested should be taken as a sign that his days in Philly are done.
The changes in Philly also includes another long-time standout, center Jason Kelce, stepping away.
Drafted in the first round back in 2012, Cox at one point may have had his eye on a contract elsewhere. But the Eagles didn't want that. And in the end, Cox probably didn't, either.
Cox - who last offseason turned down a contract worth more from the New York Jets to return to Philly - is aware of the direction the Eagles are choosing, as they spent first-round picks on defensive tackles in back-to-back years on Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. Obviously, Philly has been preparing for Cox's departure. And now Cox is ending his fine football career.
In 2023, Cox totaled 33 tackles, five sacks, 17 quarterback hits and three tackles for loss. He made the Pro Bowl every season from 2015 to 2020 and in his career has 69.5 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries. ... and a Super Bowl title.
Oh, and his head-to-head record against NFC East enemy Washington? It was 14-9 ... so yes, the Commanders bid him a fond farewell here.
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