When the Philadelphia Eagles traded up with the Chicago Bears to draft Jalen Carter at No. 9 overall in 2023, they knew they were getting a special talent.
But even they may not have foreseen how quickly the former Georgia standout would become the heart of their defense. In just two seasons, Carter has emerged as a dominant interior presence, a clutch playoff performer and a rising star worthy of being paid among the game’s elite. With his rookie contract still intact but big money looming, Carter’s future in Philly is bright.
Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation thinks it may be even brighter after the Pittsburgh Steelers extended superstar T.J. Watt.
Watt agreed to a record-setting three‑year, $123 million extension—with $108 million fully guaranteed—making him the highest‑paid non‑quarterback and defender in NFL history. The deal carries a $41 million per‑year average, surpassing Myles Garrett.
While they play different positions on the defensive line, Gowton laid out why “Jalen Carter certainly isn’t mad at this news.”
T.J. Watt’s Extension ‘Helps’ Jalen Carter’s Chances for Mega Contract Extension
“Carter will be eligible for a contract extension on January 5, 2026,” Gowton wrote, before referencing a previous BGN article that predicted Carter would sign for $30 million annually when he inks his first extension.
“To me, that projection of $30 million per year seems low with Chris Jones currently on top of the defensive tackle market at $31.75 million annually. If Carter continues on his upward trajectory, I think he’s at least going to make more than that. And maybe even as high as the $40 million range, especially if he’s in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation, which seems entirely possible.”
So, where does Watt figure in?
“I don’t know if Carter will be making more than Watt’s $41 million annual value,” Gowton added. “They obviously play different positions and there’s a pretty big bridge for Carter to get to that point. But this Watt contract only helps his chances.”
Carter signed a fully guaranteed four-year rookie deal worth about $21.8 million, including a $13.2 million signing bonus. Thus, he’s going to receive quite the hefty raise when he signs his new contract, and he’s earned it.
Carter Has Earned Mad Respect Around the NFL in Just 2 Seasons
As a rookie, Carter made an immediate impact, finishing with 33 total tackles (eight for loss), 6.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery across 16 games (one start). His disruptive presence earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
He built on that success in 2024, netting 42 tackles (12 for loss), 4.5 sacks, 12 QB hits and another two forced fumbles, while earning his first Pro Bowl selection and a second-team All-Pro nod.
He was also clutch in the postseason. In the 2024 playoffs, he delivered a game-altering two-sack outing against the Rams in the Divisional Round and was a major factor in the Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl 59 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Beyond the numbers, Carter’s value to the Eagles’ defense is immeasurable. He commands double teams on nearly every snap, freeing up other teammates to make plays. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme thrives on this kind of interior dominance, and Carter’s presence has elevated the entire unit.
If Carter’s upward trajectory continues, he should reset the market altogether, especially with Howie Roseman’s willingness to front-load deals to secure elite talent. The third-year DT is on track to become the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackle—and Philadelphia seems ready to make that investment.
