Eagles rumors: Fletcher Cox named as possible last-minute trade collateral

Though you’ve heard references to the fact ‘that the NFL is a business’, it’s easy to allow yourself to believe that certain guys are just off-limits. Apparently, that isn’t the case. For nine NFL seasons, Fletcher Cox‘s name has been as synonymous with the Philadephia Eagles as the Rocky statue, the cheesesteak, and the Phillie Phanatic are with the City of Brotherly Love.

During the most recent offseason and the first eight games of Cox’s tenth season with the Birds, things seem to have shifted. The six-time Pro Bowler’s fan club has lost a few members.

Once seen as the game’s second-best defensive tackle (Aaron Donald is universally seen as the best in the biz), Cox has seemingly fallen behind guys like Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs), DeForest Buckner (Indianapolis Colts), and even his own teammate, Javon Hargrave.

Questions have been asked about whether or not there are internal issues between the longtime Eagle and the organization. He’s been accused of being lazy and playing uninspired football (actually that began last season).

Cox fired back recently, implying the scheme that first-year defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon had instituted was hampering him, but after another performance that was, well, less than stellar versus the Detroit Lions, the already growing rumors about Cox potentially being traded have come up more frequently than we’re used to seeing.

With the trade deadline approaching, some circles are paying attention to those rumors, and now, one of the NFL’s most trusted voices is adding fuel to the fire.

Ian Rapoport adds fuel to this Eagles fire.

The NFL’s trade deadline approaches (November 2nd at 4 p.m. EST), and for those that follow the Eagles closely, a question keeps being asked. Will the Birds be buyers, sellers, or stand pat? Regardless of what side you’re on in that argument, it’s hard not to pay attention to what’s being said.

The Eagles traded Zach Ertz after Week 6’s game. They’ve also been named as a possible destination for Deshaun Watson a time or two. Recently, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport added a little intrigue to the Fletcher Cox rumors. Take a look at what was said.

"Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox: Teams have been contacting the Eagles about Cox, figuring they could take a run at him to see if they could get him for a mid- to late-round pick. On the heels of Cox airing grievances about the defense, teams have reacted. Cox is one of the core veterans GM Howie Roseman wants around, so he’s unlikely to part with him for anything less than a high pick."

NFL Trade Rumors also touched on the possibility of a Fletcher Cox trade recently. Keep an eye on this as we near 4 p.m. EST on Tuesday. The plot is thickening, and you can best believe the Eagles will be making calls of their own.

You can never rule out the fact that Eagles vice president and general manager Howie Roseman is working. He’s been known to wheel and deal in November. Think Jay Ajayi or Genard Avery if you’re having a hard time remembering what he’s done.