Fletcher Cox is indeed staying in Philadelphia. The defensive tackle has agreed to a new one-year deal with the Eagles, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Eagles, Fletcher Cox Discussing New Deal]
It’s a one-year, $14MM deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). Cox was released earlier this week ahead of a deadline to guarantee $18MM of his contract. Instead, the Eagles cut the defensive tackle, creating $2.1MM in cap space while leaving behind $12.8MM in dead cap. At the end of the day, the Eagles reduced the length and amount of Cox’s contract, but they’ll have to endure a brutal one-year hit to the salary cap. Cox originally signed a six-year, $102.6MM extension in 2016, but the deal had been restructured three times in the years prior to his release.
The Eagles have used the large majority of their 2022 cap space on retaining their own players. Dating back to last year’s extensions, the team has committed most of their 2022 cap space to re-sign the likes of Jordan Mailata, Avonte Maddox, Dallas Goedert, Jason Kelce, and Anthony Harris (as Eliot Shorr-Parks points out on Twitter).
Now, we can add Cox to the list, who has earned six Pro Bowl nods in 10 seasons with the Eagles organization. This past season, Cox recorded 3.5 sacks, 12 QB hits, seven tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Considering the veteran’s uncertain contract status and the Eagles’ brutal start to last season, Cox found himself in trade rumors at one point last year, with the Steelers reportedly discussing the All-Pro D-tackle with the Eagles.
The 31-year-old should continue to play a significant role on the Eagles defense. The team saw Javon Hargrave play well last season, and they used a third-round pick on Milton Williams last year. But Cox coming back will surely help a team that can bolster its lineup with three first-round selections next month.
In addition to their re-signing of Cox, the Eagles also officially announced that running back Boston Scott has re-signed with the organization.