The NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles’ front seven is going to look different next season.
A couple of days ago, they lost former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to the San Francisco 49ers.
But on Wednesday, Philly was able to retain Fletcher Cox, his other starter at defensive tackle.
According to Adam Schefter, Cox even gave the team a “hometown discount” and turned down bigger offers elsewhere.
Six-time Pro-Bowl DT Fletcher Cox is returning to the Eagles on a one-year, $10 million deal, per sources. Eagles get the “hometown discount” as he turned down more lucrative offers. pic.twitter.com/bEa3yLrJhi
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023
At age 32, Cox may be a little less productive than he was in the past when he made the Pro Bowl six consecutive times from 2015 to 2020, but he still recorded seven sacks, seven tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits in 2022.
He was a key reason why the Eagles finished second in total yards allowed this past season.
However, their run defense was a relative weakness, as they finished just 16th in rushing yards allowed and 17th in rushing touchdowns allowed.
In Super Bowl LVII, the Kansas City Chiefs were able to expose this weakness by running for 158 yards, despite being just 20th in the NFL in rushing yards during the regular season.
Another key move for Philly came earlier this week when it gave starting cornerback James Bradberry a new three-year, $38 million contract.
As of now, the Eagles have to be considered the favorite to return to the Super Bowl.
However, the 49ers will be very tough to deal with, as usual, and the Dallas Cowboys and possibly the Minnesota Vikings will also have something to say about how next year’s NFC playoffs will turn out.
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The Eagles Are Reportedly Trying To Re-Sign A Key Veteran
