The Jets have been in the hunt for a veteran defensive tackle after losing Sheldon Rankins and Nathan Shepherd to free agency. They nearly landed one that just played in the Super Bowl.
Appearing on the Green Light podcast with Chris Long, Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox said he almost signed with the Jets in free agency.
“No. 1, I’m excited to be back. No. 2, it came down to really some decision-making and talking with family,” Cox said (hat tip to Bleacher Report). “It was close, but at the same time, I wanted to stay home. I wanted to to be in here in Philly and finish this thing in the city in Philadelphia. Again, it was close, but I’m excited to be back.”
Cox also said Jets general manager Joe Douglas “sweated him” the most. Douglas has a prior relationship with Cox. Douglas was the vice president of player personnel for the Eagles from 2016-2019 before becoming the Jets’ general manager.
Cox ultimately decided to re-sign with the Eagles, the only team he has ever played for since being drafted in 2012. Cox won a Super Bowl in 2017.
Cox would have at least given the Jets a solid veteran option next to Quinnen Williams. Instead, he stayed in Philadelphia. The Jets’ search at the position continues.