Jalen Carter Extension Talks With Philadelphia Eagles Expected to Be 'Tricky'

Philadelphia Eagles insider Tim McManus of ESPN believes extension talks with Jalen Carter will be "tricky."

The Eagles have already picked up the fifth-year option on Carter, who will make $27.1 million in 2027 if he isn't extended before then.

"This is a tricky one," McManus wrote. "Carter, 25, has shown that he can be one of the NFL's most disruptive interior linemen, but he's coming off a down season -- largely due to shoulder injuries -- and entered the league with some questions surrounding his involvement in a fatal crash in 2023. It's understandable that Carter's representation would shoot for the stars (Jeffery Simmons is now top of the market at $35 million annually), but there is risk involved from Philadelphia's perspective. The key will be finding a deal that offers big money for Carter and some protections for Philly. Ideally, they find that middle ground before training camp."

Philadelphia selected Carter with the ninth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Carter has 13.5 sacks, 66 solo tackles, 25 tackles for loss and 37 QB hits in 43 games. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and 2025 and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl during the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Eagles have to be careful here. They don't want things to get ugly with Carter, who is one of the best defensive players in the NFL. 

Philadelphia already lost one star this offseason when A.J. Brown was traded to the New England Patriots. No one expects Carter to get traded, but he could hold out for a new deal after Simmons got paid. 

Let's see what Philadelphia does with Carter. Howie Roseman, all eyes are on you again. 

The Eagles open the 2026 season against the Washington Commanders. It will be interesting to see if Carter has a new deal by then. 

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