Jalen Carter Extended

Jalen Carter didn’t do much this spring. There was a question of whether he was rehabbing or “holding in”. He wanted an extension and the team hadn’t ponied up big money for him yet. That all changed today.

Breaking: Eagles are signing two-time Pro-Bowl selection Jalen Carter to a four-year, $152 million extension worth up to $160 million, including $106 million guaranteed that now makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, per his agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus.… pic.twitter.com/R8VZfbsKTy

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2026

Boom.

Is there risk in handing Carter this huge money? Sure. But I think it was a smart move because he is a difference-maker at a critical position. DTs are more important than ever, especially in a Vic Fangio defense that wants to play with a light box.

What position is becoming increasingly important in the NFL?@gregcosell says defensive tackle. pic.twitter.com/64mjAer0H3

— PHLY Eagles (@PHLY_Eagles) July 24, 2026

Carter is a special talent. He can hold his ground and stuff the run. He can get upfield and make plays. ESPN’s poll of coaches and scouts had Carter as the #3 DT in the league. And the guys above him were 32 and 28 years old. Carter is only 25 and is still has room to improve.

Here is what they said about him. 

Carter is one of the toughest evaluations among the top 10. He is immensely talented and has made two Pro Bowls. All but one of his votes were in the top seven. But his pass-rush prowess is modest, with 13.5 sacks during his three-year career. Carter’s production dipped in 2025 — with three sacks and five tackles for loss — though he batted down six passes, which tied for the most among defensive tackles.

“He’s a problem,” a veteran NFL defensive coach said. “A game-wrecker. You feel his presence out there consistently.”

Several evaluators argued, however, that was not the case on every snap. A few voters said Carter is not the best defensive lineman on his own team, opting for Jordan Davis instead.

“He flashes 10 times a game but gets dragged far too often by average players,” an NFL coordinator said.

Carter’s 83 pass-rush wins as an interior lineman since 2023 are tied for the seventh most in the NFL.

Carter’s best football is ahead of him, which is good news for the Eagles and bad news for the guys who have to block him. He’s still putting all the pieces together. If he stays healthy this season, he could have a breakout year.

There is the possibility that the money will have a negative effect on him, but I think playing for Clint Hurtt and Vic Fangio will be enough to keep him on the right path. At his best, this is a guy you want in the middle of your defense. 3

Dominant since Day 1 pic.twitter.com/DTXRgI0cZP

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 28, 2026

Moro Ojomo will be a free agent after the season. I don’t think the Eagles will be able to pay him so it sure would be nice for one of the young DTs to emerge as a key backup.

Ty Robinson
Gabe Hall
Uar Bernard
Zion Wilson

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