Fansided

NFL free agency 2017: Five players whose value could skyrocket

By Matt Verderame

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) reacts after a sack against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) reacts after a sack against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

At 25 years old, Fletcher Cox has already shown himself to be one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. Cox was a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft and has been dominant, totaling 22 sacks over the first four years of his career.

Despite being surrounded by middling talent throughout his time in Philadelphia, Cox has shined. The former Mississippi State star has been improving throughout his career, going from 39 tackles as a rookie to 71 of them last season.

The Eagles know that Cox is going to cost a boatload and reportedly offered him a $100 million deal, which Cox turned down. If that is the case, Cox clearly believes he can get the same type of money doled out to Ndamukong Suh, who signed a $114 deal with more than $60 million in guaranteed, the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history.

Should Cox eclipse the 9.5 sacks he registered in 2015 and continue his upward trajectory, Suh’s deal with be his baseline. The salary cap is higher and Cox does not have the character concerns, so he will break the proverbial bank.

Home/Buffalo Bills