PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles have released veteran defensive tackle, six-time Pro Bowler and fan-favorite Fletcher Cox, according to an NFL Network report.
The release came with a post-June 1 designation. The report states a return has not been ruled out and that the two sides are talking about a possible reunion.
Related podcast: Fletcher Cox weighed in on public criticism about his play during the early part of the 2021 season.
Cox, a 10-year veteran, earned Pro Bowl selections from 2015-20 while playing three different defensive line positions. He anchored an Eagles defense that gave up the fourth-fewest yards, fourth-fewest points and fewest rushing yards in the NFL in 2017, the year they defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
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While spending most of his time in the interior of the defensive line, where sacks don't come as often, Cox created 58 quarterback sacks during his 10 years in Philadelphia. He also forced 14 fumbles and recovered 12 fumbles.
The decision is certainly a shocker, and it potentially ends one of the best careers a defensive tackle has ever had with the Eagles.
The Eagles releasing Cox means they save $2 million in cap space and take on a $12 million cap hit in dead money. Had they released Cox outright, they would have taken on a $40 million dead cap hit. NFL Network also reports that Cox's $18 million salary would have been fully guaranteed.
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.
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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.
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