Eagles' Carter now highest-paid DT in NFL history
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- Jalen Carter signed a four-year, $152 million extension worth up to $160 million with $106 million guaranteed, the richest defensive tackle contract in NFL history at $38 million AAV, agents Drew and Jason Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
- Carter, 25, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection with 13.5 sacks, 37 quarterback hits and 108 tackles across his first three NFL seasons, and the extension keeps him under contract through the 2031 season.
- Carter is coming off a down year in which he posted three sacks over 11 games and underwent treatment on both shoulders in early December, missing three games before returning in Week 17 against Buffalo.
- Carter was ejected from the 2025 season opener for spitting on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage and forfeited his $57,222 Week 1 game check.
- Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving and racing charges stemming from a fatal Jan. 15, 2023 crash in Athens, Georgia, following Georgia's championship parade, which killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy.
- The Eagles traded up one spot to draft Carter ninth overall in 2023 despite off-field concerns that gave other teams pause, believing they were uniquely equipped to support him alongside former Georgia teammates like defensive tackle Jordan Davis.
- Carter earned second-team All-Pro honors during the Eagles' 2024 Super Bowl season, leading the team in pressures (45), tackles for loss (12) and quarterback hits (16), and became the youngest DT in franchise history to make a Pro Bowl.
Why it matters: The deal resets the defensive tackle market and locks Philadelphia's defensive centerpiece through 2031 before training camp opened, removing any lingering contract drama just one day before Eagles practices began Wednesday.
