Eagles were extremely close to losing a massive piece in free agency

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox nearly signed with a different team in free agency this year. 

The Philadelphia Eagles had to feel some type of way when star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave joined the San Francisco 49ers earlier this offseason. Good thing they were able to bring back Fletcher Cox on a one-year, $10 million deal, but they were apparently very, very close to losing both Cox and Hargrave in 2023.

After Hargrave left, the Eagles’ defensive front lost one of their biggest sack artists of 2022. Cox was the next pending free agent primed to land on another team, but he and the Eagles agreed to a short-term contract that would keep the veteran interior D-lineman in Philly for his 12th NFL season.

It was the signing that almost wasn’t.

According to The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt, Cox said he was so close to signing with the New York Jets this offseason that he was ready to pick a new number since Jets’ John Franklin-Myers wore his number (91).

Eagles’ Fletcher Cox was flirting with a move to the NY Jets this offseason

Cox isn’t the only one attracted to the suddenly hot offseason destination that is the New York Jets. With Aaron Rodgers set to arrive in New York in the coming months, the Jets boast a promising well-rounded squad chockful of young defensive and offensive talent.

Cox, a six-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, racked up seven sacks this past season and would have made an immediate impact in the AFC East.

For now, he’ll stay in Philly and look to record his eighth season with five or more sacks. Surrounded by several familiar faces like Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, and Brandon Graham, Cox should have no problem putting together another productive campaign.

Cox choosing to run it back with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles indicates the level of loyalty he has to the franchise, and he knows there’s unfinished business in Philly after the team fell agonizingly short of winning the Super Bowl in 2022.