Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is set to hit the open free agency market come March.
Whether the six-time Pro Bowler returns to the Eagles — or the NFL at all — in 2024 remains to be seen, however there is a chance he does for at least one more year.
It sounds like it’s going to really depend on what the Eagles are willing to offer the 33-year-old veteran as he weighs retirement.
According to A to Z Sports’ Top 105 Free Agent Contract Projections, Cox is projected to earn at least a fully guaranteed $8.5 million one-year deal.
That’s quite the discount for a veteran who has remained as consistent as Cox and registered 33 total tackles, five sacks, 17 quarterback hits and three tackles for loss this past season.
Experts at A to Z Sports believe that if Philly isn’t open to paying him what he deserves, then he will have no trouble finding a home with another team that is:
“At 33 years old, you would think Cox would have been a part of the problem that plagued the Eagles defense in 2023. You would likely be wrong. Despite his age, Cox still produced at a high level, ranking 16th in the NFL among interior defensive linemen in pressures with 49.
Cox started 15 games, marking the 11th straight season where he started 14 or more. His iron-man-esque ability to show up is only surpassed by the demeanor and effort he applies to every rep. Cox was perhaps the only player on the Eagles defense who could have said he was proud of his performance against the Bucs in their Wild Card loss to Tampa Bay.
He can still be disruptive and would be a fantastic contributor to any defensive line,” – A to Z Sports’ Josh Queipo and Kyle Dedminicantanio
Cox will turn 35 in 2024 and enter his 13th NFL season if he decides to play.
If Cox is willing to settle for a contract worth well under $10 million in Philly, then it’s safe to say that he will return and the Eagles would score yet another bargain deal out of the vet.
However, don’t be surprised if he chooses to test the open market to see if he can snag more money elsewhere.
