Do the Eagles have enough cap space to extend Fletcher Cox?

Fletcher Cox knows time is ticking.

Just look at some of his most recent tweets:

https://twitter.com/fcoxx_91/status/738425820826488832

The Eagles are expected to make Cox an Eagle for years to come, afterall, he is the team’s best player (and perhaps one of the main reasons Jim Schwartz joined the team as defensive coordinator).

But the Eagles went on a bit of a spending spree after Chip Kelly was sent packing, and according to Spotrac, they have just $8.38 million left in cap space — probably not enough to ink Cox to a long term deal.

Obviously the Eagles would find a way to wiggle around and find the other $5 to 7 million the Birds would need to make Cox happy in 2016, with much cap space opening up later on.

Some other observations about Philadelphia’s roster expenditures:

They have the sixth cheapest defense in the NFL

The Eagles plan to spend $56.3 million on defensive players in 2016 (not including any kind of Cox deal), the sixth least of any NFL team. Ironically the Panthers (just over $40 million) have spent the least on defense, with the Patriots measuring fifth least on that list.

They have the seventh most expensive offense

This makes sense after reading the fact above. At $77.2 million, the price tag for the Birds offense is likely higher than they’ll finish in total offense. Much of this money is allocated to quarterbacks or tight ends, as each position was a centerpiece of offseason spending this past winter and spring.

They have the fourth most dead money

With so many cut players (mostly thanks to Kelly) the Eagles are paying $15.1 million to guys who won’t suit up for a single practice this year.

Their money is spread around

Unlike 16 NFL teams, the Eagles don’t have a $17 million (or more) man on their roster. The highest paid player is Sam Bradford, who will make $12.5 million in 2016. However, the contract they gave Chase Daniel (totaling up to $21 million over two years) and Carson Wentz’ rookie contract puts their QB total up there with the top teams.