The New York Jets nearly landed Fletcher Cox
Back in March, six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Fletcher Cox re-signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year, $10 million contract, bringing him back to Philly for a 12th consecutive season in midnight green.
However, it was reported that the New York Jets also made an aggressive pursuit for Cox, with some reports even indicating that New York was willing to offer Cox more money.
Fletcher Cox back to the #Eagles on a one-year, $10 million deal, as @AdamSchefter said. The #Jets were willing to go higher, but Cox wanted to stay in Philly for another season.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 15, 2023
Cox recently confirmed those rumors on Chris Long’s podcast, admitting he was close to signing with the Jets. He even peeked at the Jets’ roster to see if his jersey number was available. Upon seeing that John Franklin-Myers had the No. 91 jersey, Cox was ready to pick a new jersey number if he joined New York.
Fletcher Cox admitted on Chris Long’s podcast that he was close to signing with the #Jets.
Close enough that he saw John Franklin-Myers had his number (91) and said he would’ve picked a new one.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 1, 2023
When the Cox news broke on March 15, the Jets had a fresh hole at the defensive tackle position as Sheldon Rankins signed with the Houston Texans a few hours earlier. Their pursuit of Cox proves they were cognizant of the newly opened gaping hole and had the willingness to address it with a big investment. However, over two weeks later, the hole remains.
It’s not due to a lack of effort, though. New York tried to pursue another six-time Pro Bowler in Calais Campbell, even scheduling an in-person meeting with him, but Campbell signed with the Atlanta Falcons before the meeting could take place.
Quinnen Williams and Solomon Thomas are the only notable defensive tackles on the Jets’ roster at the moment. Other than Williams and Thomas, the position group is rounded out by three practice squad-level players in Tanzel Smart, Isaiah Mack, and Marquiss Spencer.
It’s clear the Jets need at least two more roster-worthy defensive tackles, including one starter-worthy player, as Thomas isn’t an ideal option to start.
The fact that a player like Fletcher Cox considered signing with the Jets is a great sign. Fletcher Cox has nothing to prove. At this point he plays only for championships. Five years ago he wouldn’t have even entertained their offer. And that he thought he could win one with the Jets is a great sign!