The Philadelphia Eagles have signed defensive tackle Jalen Carter to a four-year, $152 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. The deal includes $106 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $38 million, surpassing the previous top-paid interior linemen, including Jeffery Simmons ($35.2M AAV) and Chris Jones ($31.75M AAV). Carter, 25, is now under contract through 2031.
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 draft, Carter has established himself as a two-time Pro Bowler and a key contributor to the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory in 2024. Despite missing five games last season due to shoulder surgery, he played 90% of snaps in four games and led all defensive tackles with 55.9 snaps per game. His 2024 season included 42 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Context and Implications
The extension comes amid roster turnover for the Eagles, who lost key defensive players like Nakobe Dean, Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Darius Slay, as well as All-Pro wide receiver A.J. Brown. Carter's deal ensures stability at a critical defensive position, with the Eagles betting on his continued development. His $38M AAV ranks seventh among all defenders, ahead of players like Maxx Crosby, Nick Bosa, and Chris Jones.
Carter's off-field conduct has also been a topic of discussion. In 2025, he was ejected from a game for spitting at Dak Prescott, though the Eagles appear to have moved past the incident given the record-setting contract. The team's decision reflects confidence in his on-field impact, including his playoff performance in 2024, where he recorded nine tackles, three pass deflections, two sacks, and a forced fumble in four games.
The contract was negotiated by agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, solidifying Carter's place among the NFL's elite defensive players. With the extension, the Eagles aim to maintain their defensive dominance while integrating younger talent.