The Philadelphia Eagles have broken the bank with a $152 million extension for defensive tackle Jalen Carter, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.
The four-year deal, worth up to $160 million with $106 million guaranteed, ensures Carter is under contract through the 2031 season. He is now 25 years old and has established himself as one of the best up-and-coming interior stars in the league.
Carter was selected by the Eagles with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Georgia. He has made back-to-back Pro Bowls over the last two seasons, recording 33 tackles, three sacks, 12 QB hits, and seven passes defensed in 11 games this past season.
The Eagles now have two of the top six highest-paid defensive tackles in the NFL, with Jordan Davis signing a three-year, $78 million deal in March. Carter's new average annual value (AAV) of $38 million resets the defensive tackle market, which was topped by Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans just last month.
Carter's impressive stats and young age make him a valuable asset to the Eagles. He has recorded 108 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in 43 career games over three seasons.
The Eagles' interior defensive line is looking strong with Carter, Davis, and Moro Ojomo. However, the pass rush is a different issue, with Jaelan Phillips signing with the Panthers in free agency and the Eagles trading for Jonathan Greenard.
Greenard is expected to be one of the Eagles' starting pass rushers, with his running mate to be determined between Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt. Smith has recorded 10.5 sacks over his three NFL seasons, while Hunt led the Eagles with 6.5 sacks and three interceptions this past season.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has found a way to extend both Carter and Davis, solidifying the interior of the defensive line for years to come. The deal is an expensive investment at $230 million, but the Eagles will face a similar dilemma next year.
The Eagles have also found two star secondary players in the 2024 NFL Draft, cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and versatile Cooper DeJean. Both players are top 10 talents at their position and will be extension eligible next offseason.
Mitchell was named First Team All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl after recording 45 tackles and 17 passes defensed this past season. DeJean was also named First Team All-Pro, allowing zero touchdowns in coverage from the slot while snagging two interceptions.
The market for defensive backs is expected to reset soon, with Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon looking to make big deals. There's a full season of football left to be played before the Eagles will have to consider extending Mitchell and DeJean.
Source: CBS