Cox had his biggest game of the season, picking up three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in Sunday's 39-17 win over the Saints.

Cox has long been adored by coaches and media types, but his stat sheet explosion against Drew Brees and the Saints could put him on the national radar for good. He dominated a depleted New Orleans offensive line, and has looked stronger with each week after a mediocre Week 1. He's an IDP with strong upside to keep an eye on. As the Eagles' offense improves, the defense will see less extended time on the field, which means fewer drives like they one they allowed against Washington in Week 4 and more opportunities for Cox to burst through offensive lines.

Cox's fifth-year contract option was exercised by the Eagles on Monday, NFL.com reports.

Cox enjoyed a breakout 2014 campaign, totaling 61 tackles and four sacks, despite demanding plenty of attention along the Eagles' defensive line. Such development resulted in Philadelphia coach Chip Kelly deeming Cox as team MVP last season, so it's hardly surprising that the 2012 first-rounder will now remain with the Eagles for at least another season.

Cox finished the 2014 season with 61 tackles and four sacks.

Cox also finished with eight tackles for a loss and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Cox has been strong in two of his three seasons, with his struggles mostly occurring in 2013. Cox played especially well in the second half of 2014, totaling seven tackles for loss and all four of his sacks in the final eight weeks. He'll probably struggle to establish top-32 IDP status on the defensive line, but Cox is locked into a lead role for Philadelphia. His 921 snaps were almost 300 more than the next closest Eagles defensive lineman (Cedric Thornton, 640).

Eagles DL Fletcher Cox doesn't anticipate knowing his exact position until "probably the first game of the season."

A defensive tackle in Philly's old 4-3, Cox is tentatively expected to play most of his snaps at end in the new 3-4. "Coach has got me doing a lot of things," he said. "It's kind of up in the air, I don't know where I'll be playing." Still only 22 years old, Cox racked up 5.5 sacks and 39 tackles across 15 games (nine starts) as a rookie. He should be the Eagles' best D-Lineman this year.

Eagles DT Fletcher Cox (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 17.

Cox put together a very strong rookie season, grading out as the No. 17 defensive tackle at Pro Football Focus. Cox's 5.5 sacks currently tie him with Brandon Graham for the team lead. Derek Landri will start at defensive tackle in Cox's place.

Eagles DT Fletcher Cox sustained a concussion in Sunday's Week 16 loss to the Redskins.

This will likely end a very solid rookie year for Cox, the No. 12 overall pick. Over his last six games, he's been a disruptive force while racking up 4.5 sacks and 20 tackles.

Eagles DT Fletcher Cox was forced from Philadelphia's Week 13 game against the Cowboys after aggravating his tailbone injury, and is questionable to return.

Eagles first-round rookie DT Fletcher Cox left Monday night's game versus the Panthers with a tailbone injury.

Cox left early in the second quarter and headed to the locker room for X-rays on the area. The No. 12 overall pick entered Week 12 with 28 tackles and three sacks. Philadelphia has an abundance of defensive linemen.

Eagles first-round DT Fletcher Cox was elevated to the starting lineup over Derek Landri on the Week 9 depth chart.

The Eagles go on heavy on rotation up front, but Cox has been playing more than Landri all season. Drawing his first start versus the Falcons, the impressive rookie responded with 11 tackles. Cox has been stronger against the run this year while Landri has more effectively rushed the passer.

Eagles first-round DT Fletcher Cox was ejected from Sunday's Week 6 loss to the Lions for throwing a punch.

With 10 minutes left in regulation, Cox found himself at the bottom of a pile and said he felt someone hitting him. So he started punching his way out and the refs caught him. "I must admit I did throw a punch," he said afterward. Cox, the No. 12 overall pick, has been the Eagles' best interior run-stuffer this season.

Eagles first-round DT Fletcher Cox has "consistently" played more game-day snaps than starters Cullen Jenkins and Derek Landri early in the season.

Cox doesn't start games, but he plays more than the starters. The Eagles used a four-man defensive tackle rotation in Week 5 against the Steelers, with Cox's 45 snaps pacing the unit. Jenkins played 41, Landri 31, and Cedric Thornton 29. On the season, Cox has amassed 11 tackles, one sack, and two pass breakups.

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah believes Eagles first-round DT Fletcher Cox will be a "dominant force" in the NFL.

"Cox has rare first-step quickness," writes Jeremiah, "and his hands are very explosive against both the run and pass," A scout with the Eagles last season, Jeremiah insists predicting a "good" career for Cox would be "selling his ability short." The Eagles' depth up front is beginning to rival that of the Giants.