The Philadelphia Eagles say they don't want to see foundational standout Fletcher Cox, 33 play for another NFL team. And it seems increasingly likely that in 2024 Cox may play for no NFL team at all.
As EaglesToday.com at SI has previously reported, the defensive tackle "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.
“I think the important thing from our perspective is you never want to see them wearing different colors,” said Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman during his session with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday.
“I think for us, no matter when that is, if they want the opportunity to come back, we'd want to have the opportunity to bring them back.”
They "them'' also includes another long-time standout, center Jason Kelce, who is in the same "contemplating-retirement'' place that Cox finds himself in.
ESPN's Saturday morning gossip content includes paywall mention of the Cox situation, paraphrased as "it is believed that Cox will retire at some point this offseason.'' That's an odd way to word it ... but it does confirm what we already know about the situation.
Drafted in the first round back in 2012, Cox at one point may have had his eye on, as our Ed Kracz wrote, "finding a two-year contract elsewhere, or at least a one-year deal that will pay him, at minimum, the $10 million he made last year with Philly.''
Maybe there is writing on the wall for Cox - who last offseason turned down a contract worth more from the New York Jets to return to Philly - that suggests that such a deal will not be available this time around.
For certain, Cox 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 may be preparing to end 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.
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