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As of today, only QBs Eli Manning and Philip Rivers have more guaranteed money in their contracts than Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Fletcher Cox, who just became a very, very rich man.
Yes, you read that right. SIXTY-THREE MILLION GUARANTEED. Talk about a pay day.
Cox, 25, was originally selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft (12th overall) and has appeared in 64 games (58 starts) in four NFL seasons.
Since becoming a full-time starter in Week 8 of his rookie campaign, Cox has played and started all but one game for the Eagles and has strung together 49 consecutive starts (including postseason) over the last three seasons.
One of the top young defenders in the NFL, Cox has increased his tackle and sack totals and has shown game-changing ability in each of the last three seasons, including a breakout year in 2015 as a fourth-year pro. Last season, Cox started all 16 games for the third straight year and earned his first career Pro Bowl berth after setting single-season career highs in total tackles (104), solo tackles (80), tackles for a loss (16.5), sacks (9.5) and forced fumbles (three) [via]
Obviously, the Philadelphia defensive star was exuberant about the new deal.
But it’s likely that Cox won’t be the highest paid non-QB for awhile, as his contract only bolsters the case for Von Miller to receive the absurd amount of money he’s commanding, too.
Regardless, not a bad Monday for No. 91…