Fletcher Cox became something of a puzzle on cleanout day after the Philadelphia Eagles ended the 2023 season on a disappointing note. Cox, whose contract is set to expire, didn’t have any concrete answers regarding his future, and some of his fellow players, particularly nose tackle Jordan Davis, spoke about him in the past tense. Cox, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, is one of the best defensive players in Eagles’ history, and his future with the team is up in the air.

There have been whispers of retirement behind the scenes, as Cox is approaching the veteran stage of his career. If Cox decides to play in the 2024 season, it will be his 13th year in the NFL, and he will turn 34 years old. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cox’s future, the Eagles are no strangers to navigating similar decisions, as they have dealt with All-Pro center Jason Kelce and will have to make similar decisions regarding Brandon Graham.

While Graham’s situation seems more straightforward due to his clear goal of completing 15 seasons with the Eagles, Cox’s future remains uncertain. This week, while at the Super Bowl, Cox hinted at possibilities beyond the Eagles, expressing interest in playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His remarks to Cam Heyward suggested that both players share mutual respect and could potentially play together. The connection between the Steelers’ assistant GM and the Eagles’ former personnel chief further stokes the flames of speculation.

In the previous year, Cox turned down more lucrative offers from the New York Jets and potentially the Kansas City Chiefs to remain with the Eagles. His decision was influenced by his familiarity with the Eagles and key personnel tied to other organizations. Cox’s experience and understanding of the situation in Philadelphia highlight his savvy approach to navigating potential changes in his career.

Despite the Eagles’ recent investments in young defensive tackle talent through the draft, Cox remained a dominant force in the 2023 season. Even with new draft picks at the position, Cox accumulated the most defensive snaps and was among the highest-graded DTs in the league. Jalen Carter, a promising young talent, was named runner-up for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing the Eagles’ depth in the position.

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Cox’s veteran leadership and on-field performance make him a valuable asset for the Eagles. However, the team faces an arduous decision regarding his future and financial implications. While Cox has demonstrated his worth through years of performance, signing him to another lucrative contract could prove challenging. Recognizing the delicate balance of evaluation and valuation, the Eagles may face a difficult choice that could involve parting ways with a beloved player earlier rather than later.

… Even if he’s a franchise great.