PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles have released Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, the team announced.
At 4 p.m. ET Thursday, $18 million of Cox’s contract would have become guaranteed. Philadelphia is open to bringing Cox back on a reworked deal, a source said, although he now has the opportunity to explore other options.
The Eagles had been engaged in trade talks for Cox and were looking for a Day 2 pick in return, a source said, but nothing came to fruition.
The Eagles released Cox with a post-June 1 designation. They save $16 million with the move, according to a source. If they were to sign him back, they would save the difference between $16 million and whatever he signs for.
Cox, 31, has made six Pro Bowls and has been named to four All-Pro teams since being selected 12th in the 2012 draft. He was a key part of Philadelphia’s championship team and posted a career-high 10.5 sacks the next season.
His play had fallen off of late, however. He finished with 3.5 sacks in 16 games last season. He was also publicly critical of how he was being deployed by defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Cox was the subject of trade talks before November’s trade deadline.
Cox has 58 career sacks and 142 quarterback hits over 10 seasons.