Well that was quick.
According to Lets Go To The Phones the Eagles are close to bringing back defensive tackle Fletcher Cox just a few hours after they released him.
His new deal is believed to be worth $14 million and will allow him to get back most of, if not all, of the money he lost by being released earlier in the day.
The team has yet to announce the new deal for Cox.
From Earlier.....
The decision to release Cox is certainly a shocker and potentially ends one of the best careers a defensive tackle has had with the Eagles.
Cox's contract is one of the more complicated contracts in the NFL, making the ramifications of cutting him complicated as well. There is conflicting information on how much cap space is saved by releasing Cox.
According to Tim McManus of ESPN the Eagles will save $16 million by releasing Cox, cap space that will open up on after June 1st. If Cox were to be re-signed, however, the money he is paid on the 2022 cap will come out of that $16 million -- meaning the savings will be less than $16 million if Cox comes back.
The $16 million not opening up until post-June 1st is significant because it means they can now, if Cox doesn't come, plan on having that $16 million after June 1st. That money can be used for paying draft picks, for example, which means they don't have to budget that money out of their current cap space.
Per Over The Cap, however, the Eagles save only $2 million by releasing Cox with a post-June 1st designation -- a huge difference from $16 million.
Despite his play taking a step back last season there is no denying he was still one of the best defensive linemen on the roster. The Eagles defensive line is not loaded with talent like it used to be. While the offseason is far from over, it is hard to argue the Eagles roster is better with Cox not on it.
The challenge for the Eagles now will be either trying to get Cox back or trying to replace him. Cox will now be able to sign with other teams, and as an older veteran, you have to wonder if he will decide to go somewhere that gives him a legitimate chance at a ring — something he doesn’t have in Philadelphia.
For the Eagles, with the first wave of free agency, they will now have to try to potentially replace Cox either in the draft or with a second-tier free agent. It is also possible they view Milton Williams as ready to start.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com