According to reports, Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will retire at some point this offseason

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Fletcher Cox could be headed to retirement in a decision that will be made “at some point during the NFL offseason.” 

Cox, now 33-years old, has been with the Philadelphia Eagles since the organization drafted him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He’s only missed a handful of games during his 12-year career and notched five-straight Pro Bowl seasons from 2015-2020. Cox was also a First Team All-Pro selection in 2018. 

Fletcher Cox expected to retire this offseason

It is expected that Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will retire at some point this offseason according to @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/KoWTPE4MkB

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 3, 2024

Although he’s definitely past his “prime” football years, Cox was effective during the 2023 season, tallying five sacks and a forced fumble in 15 games played last season. Cox had 7 sacks and played in all 17 games in 2022.

Cox signed a 1-year, $10 million deal with the Eagles to remain in Philly last offseason. Heading into 2024, he is set to become a free agent. Even if Cox doesn’t retire, it’s possible the Eagles will want to spend money elsewhere.

#Eagles 6-time Pro Bowl DT Fletcher Cox said last month he wouldn’t make an impulsive decision about retirement and talked about the importance of his mental health and dealing with injuries the past season. pic.twitter.com/z8Il9Y8RDL

— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) March 3, 2024

There are multiple changes needed in terms of personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles heading into the 2024 offseason and it looks like decisions are already in progress. First reported by Adam Schefter, Philadelphia has cut former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.

Eagles release safety Kevin Byard

Eagles are releasing safety Kevin Byard, per source. Eagles acquired Byard from the Titans last October in exchange for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft along with safety Terrell Edmunds. pic.twitter.com/uClJ0gOYCc

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 1, 2024

By releasing Byard, the Eagles have cleared roughly $13M in cap space for the 2024 season.

The release was expected, considering Byard’s high price tag and subpar level of play during Philly’s end-of-season collapse. With Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown as the Eagles’ lone safeties, GM Roseman will need to address the position through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft.

Eagles Players on Retirement Watch: Fletcher Cox, Jason Kelce, Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson

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