The Eagles are getting calls on defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The Pro Bowler, who was nearly dealt before the fall deadline, is a name to watch as the trade market continues to heat up.
The Steelers were among those with interest last time around, though they ultimately warded off by the Eagles’ asking price of a third-round pick.
“There were some teams interested in me, and the most important part of it was they wanted me here, and I wanted to be here and I’m happy to be here,” Cox said in early November.
The 31-year-old (32 in December) might not be in the Birds’ plans for 2022. As it stands, he’s set to carry a $14.9M cap figure on the 2022 books, followed by $12.7M in 2023. Under the current contract, a release isn’t a viable option, because it’d leave a whopping $40.9M dead-money hit. Even in a trade scenario, another restructure may be in order.
Cox, a six-time Pro Bowler, finished 2021 with 35 stops, 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. For his career, the 310-pound lineman has 58 sacks and 443 tackles to his credit, all with the Eagles.
More must-reads: