Report: Eagles’ Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce are leaning toward retirement

The Eagles have already undergone drastic changes to the coaching staff, and with 20+ turnovers, there’s also expected to be a dramatic roster turnover.

Philadelphia’s roster has two future Hall of Famers who appear ready to walk away from the game for good.

According to Jeff McLane of The Inquirer, Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce are leaning toward retirement.

“I still think Jason is leaning towards retirement. Obviously, he will take some time and think about it. The same applies to Fletcher Cox. He has not said anything, but other players have, and from what I am hearing behind the scenes he is probably leaning towards retirement as well.”

 

Adam Schefter had previously reported that Kelce was leaning toward retirement during the final minutes of the Eagles wild-card loss to the Buccaneers.

Fletcher Cox

Dec 31, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The 33 year old Cox has played 12 NFL seasons since being chosen by the Eagles in the first-round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

In 2023, Cox produced 33 total tackles, five sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss, remaining a steady force as an interior pass-rusher.

Cox made the Pro Bowl every season from 2015 to 2020 and returned to Philadelphia last offseason on a 1-year, $10 million deal.

Overall, Cox has 348 solo tackles, 164 assists, 69.5 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries. He was selected to play in 6 Pro Bowls, and has won 1 Super Bowl.

Jason Kelce

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Jason Kelce reacts after the Kansas City Chiefs score against the Buffalo Bills during the first half for the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Following Eagles’ wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Inquirer confirmed that center Jason Kelce told his teammates following the game that he plans to retire.

Kelce started 156 consecutive regular-season games in his Eagles career, which is a franchise record. He surpassed Jon Runyan’s previous record of 144 straight regular-season starts (2000-08) in Week 6 this season against the New York Jets.

Two weeks ago, Kelce earned his sixth first-team Associated Press All-Pro selection. He is the first center since Pittsburgh Hall of Famer Dermontti Dawson to earn the nod six times. Dawson, Kelce, and Hall of Famer Mike Webster of the Steelers and Chiefs are the only centers since the 1970 merger to receive first-team All-Pro accolades at least five times.

Future outlook

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Cam Jurgens (51) against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia drafted Jurgens in 2022 with the idea that he’d eventually replace Kelce at center. Jurgens spent the 2023 season at right guard, and depending on what happens with Sua Opeta in free agency and the NFL draft, Jurgens could remain at that position.

The Eagles eventually drafted Tyler Steen in the 2023 draft to play right guard or left tackle.

For defensive tackle, Philadelphia has selected Georgia defensive tackles in back-to-back drafts and has Milton Williams and Marlon Tuipulotu in the position as well.