The Philadelphia Eagles likely don't regret selecting defensive tackle Jalen Carter with the No. 9 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Georgia Bulldog has become a disruptive force throughout his first three years in the league.
From 2023 to 2025, he has racked up 108 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 37 quarterback hits, 21 hurries and 58 pressures. Last season, he earned a Pro Football Focus pass rush grade of 78.7, which ranked ninth among interior defensive linemen.
While he has just one more year left on his rookie deal, the Eagles have already picked up his fifth-year option for the 2027 season. However, there is an expectation he could receive a big-time extension before then.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
However, locking him down on a long-term deal won't be easy, and the Eagles must decide if the price tag is worth it. ESPN's Bill Barnwell writes that Carter could earn a deal with a yearly salary between $32 to $35 million.
"An extension for Carter would likely come in between $32 million and $35 million per season, and given how aggressive the Eagles are with signing young players to contracts, expect it to happen before the start of the 2026 campaign," Barnwell wrote.
Even on the low end of Barnwell's report, a deal of that size would give Carter the highest yearly salary for an interior defensive lineman in NFL history. As of now, that's a record held by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones ($31.75 million).
That's not an easy decision, especially considering the Eagles also have defensive tackle Jordan Davis locked in through the 2029 season on a three-year, $78 million contract. The outcome may ultimately hinge on how much Philadelphia believes Carter's production impacts the team.
