The Core Four is no more in Philadelphia, as Jason Kelce has left, leaving Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, and Lane Johnson as the senior leaders of the Eagles who have played together for over a decade. Following their playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Graham expressed his desire for one more year, calling it a farewell tour. He hopes to be back for his 15th year as a thank you to the fans for their support and to finish his career on a high note. Johnson also plans to return for a few more years and give his all to the team and the city of Philadelphia.

On the other hand, Cox’s future with the team is uncertain. He and Matt Patricia were seen bidding farewell with a hug after the loss to the Buccaneers. Patricia is expected to leave, and Cox may follow. At 33 years old, he had a solid season but with an underwhelming performance compared to previous years. However, Cox’s experience and leadership in the locker room could be valuable as the team transitions to younger players.

The Eagles’ Next Steps: What Comes Next?

Despite his contributions, Roseman will need to decide if Cox is worth retaining for another year on a one-year deal worth $10 million. Cox had turned down a more lucrative offer from the New York Jets in favor of returning to Philadelphia last offseason. With the potential departure of Graham and the retirement of Kelce, the motivation for Cox to stay with the team may decrease. But with the Eagles in a phase of rebuilding and developing young talent, his leadership could still be beneficial.

“Might be the Last of the Mohicans, me and BG,” said Johnson. “Yeah, I want to make it (Graham’s potential farewell tour) special for him. We’re going to miss some guys.”

At the heart of it all, the veteran players understand that change is inevitable in the NFL. However, they hope to continue contributing to the Eagles’ success for another season and pass on their knowledge to the younger players coming through.

Overall, the future seems uncertain for some of the long-standing players of the Eagles. As they navigate potential changes in the team and their own careers, they remain focused on giving their best and making the most of the time they have left on the field.