Report: Eagles DT Fletcher Cox will 'probably retire' this offseason

The Philadelphia Eagles might have to replace a legend in Fletcher Cox, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

With center Jason Kelce’s anticipated retirement, Cox, a longtime defender in Philadelphia, will likely retire this offseason. Cox teased an uncertain future after the Eagles’ Wild Card playoff loss to Tampa Bay.

Now, it seems like he might be in midnight green for the 2024 season.

“ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported last month that Eagles center Jason Kelce told teammates he is retiring, and I’ve talked to multiple sources who believe defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will probably retire at some point this offseason, too,” Fowler wrote. “Now, retirements are tricky — plans are malleable as players emerge from the haze of the season — but there’s a real possibility the Eagles will be replacing two legends at once.”

This past season, Cox finished with 33 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, five sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection.

Over the course of his career, Cox has 519 total tackles, 351 solo tackles, 88 tackles for loss, 70 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 14 fumble recoveries, 16 pass deflections and three defensive touchdowns.

The Eagles selected Cox with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. While with the Bulldogs for three years, Cox had 114 total tackles, 53 solo tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.

As a member of the Class of 2009, Cox was a four-star recruit out of Yazoo City (Miss.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 21 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 182 overall prospect in the state.

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are set to become unrestricted free agents.