Eagles and Fletcher Cox agree to six year extension

Philadelphia Eagles fans can finally sleep peacefully…for the time being. The Eagles announced they’ve signed star defensive tackle Fletcher Cox to a six year contract extension.

ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter on the contract details:

The contract Cox received is definitely huge. But there’s no doubt whatsoever, that Cox is the best player on the Philadelphia Eagles. His contract is right in line with other star defensive lineman.

J.J Watt signed his extension with the Houston Texans, in September of 2014. He received six years/$100 million/$51.8 million guaranteed. Ndamukong Suh signed his mega deal with the Miami Dolphins last offseason. Suh received a six year deal worth $114.4 million ($59.96 guaranteed).

The Eagles knew going in that Cox was going to receive “great player money.” Eagles Executive Vice President Howie Roseman made that very clear on numerous occasions. The team was incredibly private with their contract negotiations. That privacy clearly paid off and once Cox returned to mandatory minicamp this past week, it helped accelerate this extension.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Caplan offered his take on Cox:

He’s absolutely right. Fletcher Cox was originally drafted in the 1st round of the 2012 NFL draft, to play in the “wide nine” defensive scheme. He lined up as a defensive end in the 3-4 defensive alignment the past three seasons under Chip Kelly. Although Cox played very well, and made his first Pro Bowl this past season, that scheme didn’t fit his skill set.

A huge reason why Jim Schwartz accepted the Eagles defensive coordinator position, was because of Fletcher Cox. Jim Schwartz knows how important it is to have elite defensive tackle talent. He’s coached Albert Haynesworth, Ndamukong Suh and Marcell Dareus. All three defensive tackles enjoyed great success under Schwartz. Fletcher Cox will be no different. He’ll thrive in Schwartz’s heavy pass-rush attack. Especially now, considering the fact he’ll face less double teams as a defensive tackle, and in a four defensive lineman set.

Fletcher Cox was a force to be reckoned with last season. 71 tackles, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. That’s amazing numbers for a defensive end in a two-gapping style of defense.

It’ll only get better from here on out. Fletcher Cox is locked up with the Eagles through 2022. He’ll be in a system that suits his skill set perfectly. He’ll be coached by one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, who also has had his most success with elite defensive tackle talent. It’ll be very enjoyable watching Fletcher Cox and Jim Schwartz rule the Eagles defense. Hopefully for years to come.

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