NFL insider says Eagles and Fletcher Cox are NOT close on a new contract

Last week, it was reported Eagles and Fletcher Cox are close to agreeing on a new deal. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, however, a contract is NOT close. Schefter had the following to say in an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic with Anthony Gargano and The Morning Show.

Gargano: So Fletcher Cox is going to get extended …

Schefter: Yeah, they’re not close right now.

Obviously this isn't what Eagles fans want to hear, but this doesn't mean it's time to panic. The Eagles don't have to rush into a deal with Cox. Sure, signing him to a long-term contract now would be ideal. But the Eagles don't need to rush to sign Cox since he's under contract for the 2016 season and the franchise tag for defensive tackles will be affordable in 2017. There is still plenty of time for both sides to get together and make something work.

It seems like the Cox deal is only a matter of time. It's certainly not a matter of whether the team wants him or not. He's an elite player. On top of that, the Eagles' recent contract extensions for players such as Zach Ertz, Lane Johnson, and Vinny Curry show the team is committed to re-signing their young talent. Cox is a Howie Roseman pick and with Roseman running the show now you can bet he's going to want to keep the team's 2012 first round pick.

Patience.

...

On a side note, these cryptic tweets have caused some fans to worry. I don't think it's wise to read into these too much because some of them are vague and Cox could be referring to anything. Or maybe he's just messing around, who knows. Here's a look at them anyway:

@BOBonTCN @bbrooks72TCN new deal what's that ....

— fletcher cox (@fcoxx_91) February 2, 2016