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The Difference Between Fletcher Cox And A Franchise Quarterback

By Matt Giraldi

Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) returns a fumble 17-yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars, 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox (91) returns a fumble 17-yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars, 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) battles Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) during the third quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) battles Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) during the third quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

According to Spotrac, the Titans are in a perfect position to afford a player of Cox’s abilities. Since the 2013 season, the Eagles have ranked in the bottom quarter of the NFL in allocated money spent along the defensive line on a per-year basis. With Roseman getting the house back in order, will he want to dispense J.J. Watt money on one player?

Just over a year ago, it was reported that the Eagles made a trade offer to the Titans that centered around Fletcher Cox. If Fletcher Cox was such a priority, would either Roseman or owner Jeffrey Lurie allow him to be involved in any hypothetical trade scenario? Despite Lurie’s indications that head coach Chip Kelly was in a sink-or-swim situation, I find it unfathomable to believe that he would be allowed to deplete all the high-end talent on the roster.

And that begs the question: How valuable is Fletcher Cox to the Philadelphia Eagles organization? The most affordable time to sign Cox would have been prior to the beginning of free agency. There is no denying the natural ability that Cox possesses. Unfortunately, defensive linemen tend to get paid huge money and rarely prove to be the difference maker causal fans believe. Just ask the Miami Dolphins about Ndamukong Suh or the Redskins about Albert Haynesworth. For as great as Watt has been with the Texans, their defense has given up a combined 91 points in the three playoff losses during his tenure.

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