Derek Cox rumors: Jaguars return still possible for CB

The Jacksonville Jaguars are still working to bring back free agent cornerback Derek Cox, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. As it stands right now, Cox is scheduled to hit the open market on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET when the 2013 NFL free agency period begins.

Cox has already reportedly has interest from the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the "legal tampering" period so his price tag might be higher than the Jaguars like. Cox's agent expects there to be a big market for Cox and anticipates he's signed on the first evening of free agency.

"I still think so, yes," Cox's agent told O'Halloran about Cox being off the market quickly. "Whether it's 4 o'clock or late at night, I'm not sure. But I do get the impression that it should be pretty quick when it opens. That could change if a couple players might slow the process down."

The Jaguars reached out to Cox's agent on Monday according to O'Halloran, a sign that they're still interested in bringing back the young corner who's dealt with injuries in his career. O'Halloran reports that Cox is expected to get a contract in the realm of $6 million/year plus, depending on how much players like Sean Smith get on the free agent market.

The Jaguars can still re-sign Cox before 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday and prevent him from hitting the open market.

Keep reading:

• Rebuilding the Jaguars is for the long haul, not 2013

• Who the Jaguars should sign in free agency

• List of all the Jaguars free agents

• Defensive line free agent primer

• Defensive back free agency primer

• Offensive tackle free agency primer