Fletcher Cox: Proving His Worth, Wins Defensive Player of the Month
After singing a new contract this offseason, Fletcher Cox looks to be worth every penny for the Philadelphia Eagles
Fletcher Cox is regarded as one of the best defensive linemen in the entire NFL. There is no debating that as his numbers and play speak for themselves. However, this offseason Cox became a very wealthy man when he signed a six-year, $102.6 million contract with a $26 million signing bonus and almost $63.3 million guaranteed. Suffice it to say that the Philadelphia Eagles Jerry Maguire’d him, showing him the money.
However, that led to some backlash from fans and media on whether Cox was worth that kind of money because it gave him the biggest contact for a defensive tackle. It also has him second in terms of average annual salary ($17.1 million) at his position.
One of the biggest reasons he got such a deal was his amazing 2015 season. Cox sacked the quarterback nine and a half times while forcing three fumbles. He added two fumble recoveries and 50 total tackles. His impressive season earned him his first trip to the Pro Bowl, which was long overdue.
The Eagles didn’t just give up money with his new contract to Cox. They moved up three spots in the 2012 NFL draft to get him. So, they gave up their 2012 first-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and a sixth-round pick to get him.
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It is obvious the Eagles have invested in Cox. First they traded for him and now they gave him a mega-deal. However, sometimes investments do not work out. But luckily for the Eagles, this is an investment that will put a smile on your face.
People can say what they want about the new contract, Cox will just continue to ball. So far in 2016, Cox has nine tackles and a forced fumble. More importantly, Cox has three sacks in three games. He turned in an impressive two-sack game in Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, capping off an awesome first month.
Usually Cox’s impressive play would go unnoticed, but after his first Pro Bowl in 2015 and new contract, he is finally getting the love he deserves.
After his dominant month of September, the NFL named Cox the NFC Defensive Player of the Month. This is the first time he has won the award. It is also the first month in the regular season after he signed his name on his huge contract that received backlash. Moral of the story: Cox has shut a lot of people up.
He may have earned a big new contract this offseason, but he is still a dominant player. Pro Football Focus currently has him graded as their No. 7 overall interior defender. They also have him graded as their No. 2 pass rusher for interior defenders. He is a key to the Eagles’ success this season and is also a leader on their defense and his dominant play is contagious.
The Eagles are currently sitting at 3-0 and Cox is playing All-Pro caliber football. Cox may have signed a huge deal this offseason, but he is proving that he is worth every penny.
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