The Eagles kept the band together Wednesday, coming to an agreement with defensive tackle Fletcher Cox on the first day of free agency, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Cox was on the 2017 Super Bowl team with fellow veterans Brandon Graham, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. The Eagles agreed to a one-year deal with Graham on Friday and signed Kelce to a one-year deal this afternoon. Johnson already is under contract.
Cox’s deal reportedly is for one year and $10 million. He played for $14 million last year, according to Spotrac.
Cox was the Eagles’ first-round draft pick in 2012, the 12th pick overall. He will begin his 12th season in September. He has been a force in the middle of the Eagles’ defensive line, even while often fighting off double-teams.
Defensive tackle became more of a focus when Javon Hargrave agreed to terms last week with the 49ers. The Eagles emphasize both lines and are coming off a team-record 70 sacks. They didn’t want to take a step back at such an important position.
Cox will be part of the rotation with tackles Jordan Davis, Milton Williams and Marlon Tuipulotu. Midseason pick-ups Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph still are unsigned and could be brought back.
Cox will turn 33 in December. Last season he started all 17 games. He had 43 tackles and seven sacks, his most since 2018. He has 65 career sacks, 13 fumble recoveries and 15 forced fumbles. He made six consecutive Pro Bowls, from 2015-20. He is the third-longest tenured Eagle.
Free agent offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo, defensive end Derek Barnett, kicker Jake Elliott and long-snapper Rick Lovato are the other current Eagles who were on the 2017 Super Bowl roster.
