Over the past three seasons, the Eagles’ defensive line of Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan and Cedric Thornton created the kind of chemistry that has made it one of the most solid units on the team.
But next year, 1/3 of the equation might not be back.
For the first time in his career, Thornton, 27, will likely have a chance to test the free agent market.
“It is what it is,” Thornton said on Monday, the day after the 2015 season ended. “I love Philadelphia and the organization, but for me to say am I going to stay here or are they going to keep me, that’s the unknown.
“That’s not something that I’m worried about. I put the film out there. I feel like the other [31 teams in the league], I think they’ve seen it. We’ll see whatever my value is. If Philadelphia wants to keep me here, if Philadelphia wants me to be here, then I’ll be here.”
Before this season, Thornton was a restricted free agent when the Eagles signed him to a one-year $2.356 million deal.
Since Logan became the team’s starting nose tackle midway through the 2013 season, the trio – with Cox and Thornton flanking Logan in the base defense – has built a strong bond. Thornton said his linemates are like his “brothers.”
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“I love playing with Ced,” Pro Bowler Fletcher Cox said. “Ced’s been here the four years I’ve been here. He was a great teammate. … And I love being around him.”
Thornton is one of just several holdovers from the Andy Reid era. He joined the Eagles as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Arkansas in 2011. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad, before making the 53-man roster in 2012, when he played all 16 games.
He didn’t become a full-time starter until Chip Kelly came to town and installed a 3-4 defense. In the last three seasons, he’s started 45 of 48 possible games. He missed three games this season because of injury.
Thornton is proud of his ascension to starter.
“Don’t believe the hype,” Thornton said when asked what he’s shown the league in the last three years. “Division II player, undrafted. Any guy can play football if you give him the opportunity.”
While Thornton said he loves Philadelphia and will stay in the area this season as his kids finish up school in South Jersey, the defensive lineman and his family are looking forward to testing the free agent waters.
He isn’t sure how much will be out there for him, but he’s excited to learn.
Meanwhile, his teammates, especially on the line, are hoping he comes back.
“It would be pretty weird if Ced isn’t back,” Logan said. “Just the chemistry we built the last three years, just getting to know each other. It’s more like a family. To not see him back next year would definitely be a big surprise. If that happens, we’ll have to start building the chemistry with someone else."