Fletcher Cox, Eagles reportedly close on a new contract

The Philadelphia Eagles have signed three players to new contracts this week and they might not be done yet. According to a report from Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, the team is working on a new contract with Fletcher Cox and the deal is "close" to being done.

There have already been multiple reports that the Eagles are talking with Cox. This NJ.com report is the first one to indicate a new contract is close to being finished, however.

The Eagles don't necessarily need to rush to sign Cox. He's already under contract for the 2016 season due to the fifth-year option the Eagles exercised on him last offseason. Even if negotiations totally fell apart, the Eagles could likely afford to franchise tag Cox next offseason since the franchise number for a defensive tackle is affordable.

Still, there is some incentive to get a deal done soon. First, it gives Cox the long-term security he likely desires. Second, the new contract potentially allows the Eagles to lower Cox's salary figure for 2016, which saves the team some cap space.

There's no question the 25-year-old Cox is a special talent. The Eagles would be wise to keep him around for years to come, and it seems like that's the plan.