Three Philadelphia Eagles updates for you.
Philadelphia Eagles Exercise Fletcher Cox's Option
First, news came out Monday that the Philadelphia Eagles had exercised the fifth-year option on Fletcher Cox's rookie contract, which will keep the Eagles' best defensive player in Philadelphia until at least 2016.
While Cox flashed potential in his first two season with the Eagles, he was inconsistent in his play. However, he was a breakout start last year on defense, dominating opposing offensive lineman at will.
Cox is due to earn approximately $7.8 million in 2016, which is a bargain considering what top defensive lineman command in today's NFL.
However, as many outlets have been quick to point out — this move does not guarantee that Cox will remain in Philadelphia. The Eagles can still trade Cox, and exercising his option arguably makes him a more attractive commodity because the team acquiring him will be guaranteed an extra year of his services.
It says here that trading a dominant 24-year old defensive end will be a horrible mistake, but as we have seen with Chip Kelly, anyone can be traded for the right price. If trading Cox means the Eagles land Marcus Mariota, I would not be surprised to see him moved during the draft.
Chris Polk Signs With Texans
Last Friday, the Eagles rescinded their tender to Chris Polk, making the former Washington State running back a free agent. It did not take long for Polk to find a new home.
According to a report from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle, Polk signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year deal for $6660,000.
Chris Polk gets one-year deal for $660,000 base and he can earn a max of $100,000 in per-game, 46-man roster bonuses.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) April 28, 2015
Polk was the odd man out in a crowded Eagles back field that includes running backs DeMarco Murray, Darren Sproles, and Ryan Mathews. If Polk can stay healthy, he could become a useful backup for the Texans behind the oft-injured Arian Foster.
Eagles Reportedly Had a Trade In Place For Dion Jordan
Hey, did you know that Chip Kelly likes former Oregon players? It is no secret that Kelly has coveted his former OLB Dion Jordan. Chip Kelly said after the first round of the 2013 draft that the Eagles had Jordan as the third best prospect in the class. But the Dolphins traded up in front of the Eagles to get Jordan, and the Eagles were left to "settle" for offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
However, that has not deterred Chip Kelly from trying to trade for Jordan. Rumors circulated last year that the Eagles were discussing a Jordan for Brandon Graham swap; but the trade never materialized.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, the Eagles and Dolphins were on the verge of completing a trade for Dion Jordan (again), but Jordan's diluted test samples led to a year long suspension, which killed the trade talks:
Interesting part is that Eagles and Dolphins were nearing a trade for Dion Jordan. Then came the diluted sample and suspension. So no deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2015
According to Jeff McLane at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Evan Mathis was mentioned in the trade talks for Jordan.
It seems like we should be thankful that Chip Kelly is getting saved from himself in his pursuit of Dion Jordan.
Had the Dolphins not traded in front of the Eagles to draft Jordan, Kelly likely would have chosen him over Lane Johnson. And while it is impossible to predict whether Jordan's career would have played out differently in Philadelphia, it is obvious that Johnson has been the better player so far. He has the makings of a potential Pro Bowl left tackle, while Jordan has been a bust that has been suspended twice for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Trading Evan Mathis for Jordan would have been just as bad. Yes, Mathis is getting long in the tooth, but he is still one of the best guards in all of football. Trading him for an undersized outside linebacker that is in the NFL's substance abuse program would have been a colossal mistake.
While the diluted sample prevented the deal from happening, it seems even more likely that the Eagles are going to depart with Mathis during the draft.
Patrick Causey is a writer at Eagledelphia and can be followed on Twitter @PhillySportsJD
