This Date In Transactions History: Eagles Extend Fletcher Cox
Five years ago today, the Eagles locked up Fletcher Cox to a six-year, $103MM deal. The pact, which included $63MM in total guarantees, tied the defensive tackle to Philly through the 2022 season. 
Our retrospectives often deal with contracts that didn’t make it all the way to the end. After all, that’s the nature of the NFL, where injuries are common and true long-term security is hard to come by. However, Cox has mostly held up his end of the bargain. At the time of signing, Cox was coming off of his first ever Pro Bowl appearance. Now, he’s up to six straight, including a 2018 All-Pro nod.
The Eagles started talks in the spring, but things stalled into the summer. Cox skipped the Eagles’ voluntary workouts, leaving some to wonder whether a deal would ever come together. Still, Howie Roseman called Cox a “huge part” of the Eagles’ future and he backed that up by making him the second-highest paid defender in NFL history (at the time), just behind Ndamukong Suh and just ahead of Olivier Vernon. The $63MM in guaranteed cash was notable, and $55.5MM of that was effectively guaranteed at signing — $1.5MM more than Aaron Rodgers got on his re-up.
Cox remains a key cog on the Eagles’ defensive line, having notched 6.5 sacks from the interior last year. However, Jeff McLane of The Inquirer hears that the team has some concern about his conditioning. The feeling in Philly is that Cox hasn’t been as dedicated as Rams star Aaron Donald, and there’s concern that it will catch up with him sooner rather than later. If Cox loses a step, the Eagles won’t be inclined to carry his $23.8MM cap hit into 2022. Instead, the Birds could drop him between now and next spring, saving $10.6MM against $13.15MM in dead money.
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This Date In Transactions History: Jets Cut Eric Decker
Five years ago today, the Jets released wide receiver Eric Decker. The Jets had previously told Decker that he would be released or traded — they couldn’t find a suitable deal, so they released him outright instead. 
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Decker, a 2010 third-round pick, broke out with the Broncos in 2012 and 2013. He carried his strong production to New Jersey in his first two years with the Jets, tallying a combined 154 catches for 1,989 yards and 17 touchdowns. Then, he was derailed by hip and shoulder injuries. Decker saw just three games in 2016, but still managed to take 9 grabs for a highly efficient 194 yards with two TDs.
Still, Decker’s contract had two years and over $36MM to go. Instead of banking on a bounce-back year, the Jets opted to save $7.5MM in cap room. Initially, the Jets figured they could parlay Decker into some draft capital, once fellow vet Jeremy Maclin landed elsewhere. The Ravens had some interest in Decker, but they got Maclin on an affordable two-year, $11MM contract. After that, the trade market dried up.
The Ravens thought about adding Decker once he was available, but they ultimately held off. Instead, Decker joined the Titans for his age-30 season. It was a logical fit — the Titans needed an experienced wide receiver to prevent defenses from targeting DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. Plus, Decker and his family already lived near Nashville.
Decker went on to appear in every game, but finished with just 54 catches, 563 yards, and one TD in 2017. In 2018, Decker signed with the Patriots, giving him a chance at revenge against the Jets. However, he didn’t get the chance — amidst long odds of making the final cut, Decker chose to retire instead. Decker’s still only 34, but it looks like he’s enjoying life without football.
Ravens Work Out Charles Clay
Charles Clay recently worked out for the Ravens (Twitter link via Adam Caplan of SiriusXM). Clay has not taken the field since the 2019 season, but he could be on the verge of joining one of the league’s most potent offenses. 
Last time out, Clay caught 18 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown for the Cardinals. All in all, he has 357 career catches, including some big seasons between 2013-2017. His 2013 with the Dolphins was especially notable, with 69 catches for 759 yards and six scores.
The Ravens could see Clay as a low-cost, potentially high reward addition. It also helps that he has history with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, having played for him in Buffalo in 2015 and 2016.
The Ravens’ TE depth chart is currently headlined by Nick Boyle and Mark Andrews. They’ve also got Eric Tomlinson, Josh Oliver, Eli Wolf, Jacob Breeland, and Tony Poljan on the 90-man roster.
Giants’ Sam Beal Pleads Guilty To Gun Charges
Giants cornerback Sam Beal pleaded guilty to a pair of gun charges, as NJ.com’s Zack Rosenblatt writes. The charges stemmed from a June 2020 arrest in Ohio. Now, he’ll be on probation through June of next year. 
Beal was arrested roughly one year ago today after cops pulled him over and found him with a concealed weapon. One charge is for illegal carrying; the other is for improper handling of the gun. He was also cited for marijuana possession and a traffic violation.
The Giants took a chance on Beal by taking him in the third-round of the supplemental draft in 2018. However, he was forced to redshirt his rookie year after shoulder surgery. There was some talk that Beal could start in 2019, but a hamstring issue cost him most of training camp and the entire preseason and the club was forced to place him on injured reserve in September. Then, he opted out of the 2020 season.
Beal’s odds of making the Giants’ cut this year weren’t looking too great, especially since he joined the club before the arrival of head coach Joe Judge. The legal issues won’t help matters.
If the Giants cut ties, it’ll go down as one of Dave Gettleman‘s biggest misses in recent years. By using a 2018 third-round supplemental pick on Beal, the Giants coughed up their 2019 third-rounder in the regular draft. All in all, Beal has played just six times across three seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 6/11/21
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: WR Reggie Davis
- Waived: WR Stephen Guidry
Saints’ Drew Brees Officially Placed On Retired List
The Saints officially placed quarterback Drew Brees on the reserve/retired list (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Field Yates). Of course, Brees already announced his retirement earlier this year. But, for cap reasons, the move was delayed until after June 1st. 
“After 20 years as a player in the NFL and 15 years as a Saint, it is time I retire from the game of football. Each day, I poured my heart and soul into being your Quarterback. ‘Til the very end, I exhausted myself to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans. We shared some amazing moments together, many of which are emblazoned in our hearts and minds and will forever be a part of us,” Brees said, back in March.
With the 13-time Pro Bowler out of the picture, the Saints are heading into ’21 with Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston as their top QBs. Hill offers athleticism, Winston has a cannon arm, but neither player has experience to compare to Brees. Unfortunately, Father Time ultimately caught up with the future Hall of Famer, so the Saints will have to adjust.
Brees, who has the most passing yards in league history, leaves the game with upwards of $250MM in career earnings — not including his off-the-field endorsements. That should be just enough to hold him in retirement.
49ers Waive Justin Skule
The 49ers have waived offensive lineman Justin Skule with an injury designation. This was the expected move after Skule suffered a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.
Skule was competing to serve as a top backup behind Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey. With Williams out of practice, the former sixth-round pick was practicing with the first-string team, an indication that he was probably going to make the final cut and return for his third season. Instead, he’ll spend the year rehabbing before finding work (perhaps elsewhere) in 2022. To date, the 24-year-old has 31 games and 12 starts to his credit.
To replace Skule, the Niners have signed veteran offensive lineman Senio Kelemete. Kelemete offers similar experience, plus the ability to play multiple positions on the front line.
Eagles Re-Sign Richard Rodgers
The Eagles have re-signed tight end Richard Rodgers, per a club announcement. The longtime Packer will return for his fourth straight season with the Eagles on what is likely a one-year pact.
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Rodgers appeared in 13 games and started four times for the Birds last year and recorded 24 catches, 345 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He’s best known for the Hail Mary ball he caught from Aaron Rodgers in Detroit several years ago, but Rodgers actually nabbed eight TDs in that 2015 season. Between 2017 and 2018, he recorded just one catch for seven yards amidst injuries, but he saw a healthy number of targets with the Eagles in 2020.
For now, Rodgers projects to serve as the No. 3 tight end behind Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert. However, Ertz could very well get traded between now and Week 1, creating extra room for Rodgers, Jason Croom, Caleb Wilson, Hakeem Butler, and the rest of the roster hopefuls at TE.
Cowboys To Sign Osa Odighizuwa
The Cowboys have signed third-round defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (Twitter link via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News). With the UCLA product in the fold, the Cowboys now have just two unsigned draft picks to go.
Odighizuwa, the younger brother of former Giants defender Owa Odighizuwa, comes with four years of collegiate seasoning. And, for the last three years, he’s served as a starter for the Bruins. Even in a pandemic-shortened season, the 6’2″, 280-pound lineman managed to shine. In seven games, Odighizuwa notched six tackles for loss, four sacks, and 30 total stops. In total, he’s got 37 appearances to his credit with 120 tackles, 27.5 TFL, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown.
The Cowboys’ defense could certainly use the help and new DC Dan Quinn is a big believer in Odighizuwa’s ability. Currently, he projects to be the first DT off of the bench, behind starters Carlos Watkins and Trysten Hill. Sixth-round pick Quinton Bohanna also figures to be in the mix.
Bohanna, Odighizuwa, and the majority of the Cowboys’ draftees are now taken care of. Two of their third-rounders — defensive lineman Chauncey Golston and cornerback Nahshon Wright — remain as the last stragglers.