The Philadelphia Eagles face a pivotal roster decision that could define their defense for the next decade-whether to lock in defensive lineman Jalen Carter to a long-term extension before he becomes the NFL’s most coveted free agent at his position.
After just two seasons in the NFL, Carter has not only lived up to his pre-draft hype but has already become the heart of one of the league’s most fearsome defensive fronts. With 10.5 sacks and countless quarterback pressures under his belt, the 2023 first-round pick has emerged as a weekly nightmare for opposing offenses.
But Carter’s impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. His mere presence on the field forces teams to shift protections, double-team the interior, and scheme around his disruptive ability. His play consistently opens up lanes for edge rushers like Bryce Huff and allows linebackers to attack without hesitation. In short, Carter doesn’t just make plays-he makes teammates better.
That’s precisely why Philadelphia must act decisively and extend him early, even if it means making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.
According to Eagles insider Eric-who has a track record of accurately predicting contract benchmarks-Carter could command a jaw-dropping $37 million per season, surpassing Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones’ current record of $31.75 million annually. Given Carter’s age, production, and upside, he could be the rare defender who justifies such a market reset.
A deal wouldn’t kick in until 2027, when Carter would be just 26 years old and entering his physical prime. From a team-building standpoint, that’s an ideal window-securing an elite talent for the bulk of his prime before contract inflation drives the market even higher.
For a franchise that prides itself on elite trench play, Carter represents the ultimate cornerstone. General Manager Howie Roseman has long emphasized the importance of building from the inside out, and Carter’s blend of power, explosiveness, and technical growth fits that philosophy perfectly.
Philadelphia also has the cap space flexibility to absorb a major extension down the line. With several key veterans on shorter deals and younger players still on rookie contracts, the Eagles can structure Carter’s deal in a way that minimizes short-term financial strain while securing long-term dominance.
This situation mirrors past moves like the early extensions for Lane Johnson and Fletcher Cox-both of which paid off handsomely. Carter, however, may have an even higher ceiling. His early-career trajectory suggests Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods are not far off, making it all the more vital for Philadelphia to avoid a future bidding war.
Simply put, if the Eagles want to maintain their defensive identity for years to come, they cannot afford to play the waiting game. Jalen Carter is already their most important defender-and soon, he should be paid like it.