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Eagles make Jalen Carter the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history

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The Philadelphia Eagles have secured one of the NFL’s premier defensive players for the long term, signing defensive tackle Jalen Carter to a record-setting four-year contract extension through the 2031 season.

According to multiple reports, the extension is worth $152 million and could increase to $160 million with incentives. The deal reportedly includes $106 million in guaranteed money.

At an average of $38 million per season, Carter becomes the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in NFL history, surpassing the contract signed earlier this summer by Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons.

The Eagles had already exercised Carter’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season, meaning the former first-round draft pick is now under contract with Philadelphia for the next six years.

Selected ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after an outstanding career at Georgia, Carter slipped lower than expected because of off-field concerns before the draft. While he was briefly suspended last season after being ejected for an incident involving Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, he has otherwise emerged as one of the league’s most dominant defensive linemen.

Carter has been a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s defense during his first three NFL seasons, using his combination of strength, quickness and disruptive play to become one of the league’s most difficult interior defenders to block. His performance helped anchor the Eagles’ defense during their Super Bowl championship run following the 2024 season.

The extension continues the Eagles’ effort to keep the core of their defensive line intact. Earlier this offseason, the club signed fellow defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million extension.

The new contract also reflects the soaring market for elite defensive tackles. Simmons recently became the league’s highest-paid player at the position before Carter eclipsed that mark, while Kansas City’s Chris Jones previously held the top annual salary among interior defenders.

By locking up Carter through 2031, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has ensured one of the NFL’s top young defensive stars will remain a centerpiece of Philadelphia’s defense for years to come.

Source: NFL.com

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