The Pittsburgh Steelers are a well-run team always looking to make upgrades when possible.
So it comes as no surprise that the organization had their eyes on a top veteran at the trade deadline.
The Philadelphia Eagles dangled Fletcher Cox in trade talks for weeks, especially after he called out his own defensive coordinator.
A report from NFL insider Jason La Canfora revealed the two teams nearly reached a deal to send Cox to the Steelers.
They could not come together on compensation, so Cox stays with the only NFL team he has ever known.
💚 Despite frustrations with the Eagles D Fletcher Cox did NOT want to be traded
“I’m happy to be here. This organization wanted me here, I want to be here. Like I said forever Philly!”#Eagles pic.twitter.com/wXoZ4mwf1p
— Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) November 5, 2021
Eagles Maintain Stability
The Eagles may end up benefitting from this deal because Cox is a leader on defense.
The team also has three first-round picks in 2022, and it is possible two or even all three end up in the top-10.
So flipping Cox for a mid-round pick may not have been as valuable as it could have been in other years.
The Steelers are the team in this conversation that will feel like they missed out on a great opportunity.
Determining Cox’s trade value was likely tough because he has not done much in 2021.
Fletcher Cox on the trade deadline: "The bottom line is they wanted me here and I wanted to be here … and at the end of the day I'm still an Eagle and I'm ready to go play on Sunday."
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) November 5, 2021
He has one sack and the new style of defense being run is what he was calling out a few weeks ago.
So when it came time to discuss compensation, it is possible the Steelers were looking at his current value and the Eagles looked at his normal potential and ceiling.
Alas, this deal is left to history as one that never went down.
Cox can continue on without any hard feelings because his name in trade talks was no secret.
He seems to understand his role on the team and could even be moved this offseason if the Eagles want to get younger.
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