Eagles release six-time Pro Bowl DT Fletcher Cox, could re-sign on cheaper deal

The Philadelphia Eagles and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox officially parted ways when the team released the 31-year-old on Thursday afternoon. 

The two parties could already be on track for a reunion. 

Per Dave Spadaro of the club's website, the Eagles are reportedly working on potentially re-signing Cox on a cheaper deal. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport (h/t Nick Shook) reported the six-time Pro Bowl selection would have had $18 million in salary become guaranteed at 4 p.m. ET Thursday, which is why Philadelphia made the transaction. 

ESPN's Tim McManus adds the Eagles wanted a Day 2 draft pick in any trade for Cox's services and also that the team saves $16 million by designating him a post-June 1 cut. 

Cox earned Pro Bowl nods each season from 2015 through 2020 but struggled this past campaign under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, to the point that the 2012 first-round draft selection of the Eagles was in trade rumors up until the November deadline. He later suggested he could remain with the team beyond next season: