NFC rival’s apparent hesitation could open the door for Packers to make franchise-altering trade at major position of need
The Philadelphia Eagles might not be willing to give Jalen Carter a contract extension, and Green Bay should monitor the situation.
The Green Bay Packers addressed the interior of the defensive line this offseason, signing Javon Hargrave in free agency and drafting Chris McClellan in the third round after a trade up. While those additions are valuable, it’s hard to say the position is a strength on the roster.
Over the past two offseasons, the Packers lost TJ Slaton in free agency and traded Kenny Clark and Colby Wooden away. Devonte Wyatt is set to play under his fifth-year option, the final year of his deal, and there are reasonable long-term questions at the position.
If the Packers want to make any type of huge investment, trading for a rising star like Jalen Carter could be the perfect move, despite the risk.
The Eagles are hesitant
Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman tends to be proactive to extend his top players. But that doesn’t seem to be the case with Carter. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer talked about the situation, offering an intriguing perspective.
“The answer is yes, they are hesitant to pay him. Philadelphia is telling you what you need to know with its actions. The Eagles have always been aggressive paying their own, in large part because they know that the earlier you do the deal, the better the price you’ll get. It’s a strategy that takes commitment from ownership, which Philly clearly has (some owners would rather keep money in their accounts until the summer), and has served the team very well over the years.
“So the fact that we’re into June without Jalen Carter having a deal is notable. And I’d guess if they do one now, before his fourth season as a pro, then it’d come with flexibility for the team. If Carter won’t give them that flexibility now, maybe he’ll just wait another year. Which would make this a little like the George Pickens situation in Dallas—where a team might want to see a little more from a player, just from a character perspective, before committing long term.” — Albert Breer
Contract situation
Jalen Carter has two years left on his deal. The defensive tackle is set to make $3.723 million in 2026 and $27.127 million in 2027 under his own fifth-year option. There are questions over his profile, including a shoulder injury and some behavior topics.
He’s not necessarily a great run defender either. But his ability to affect the opposing quarterback is almost unmatched in the NFL as an interior defensive lineman. Throughout his first three seasons in the NFL, he’s generated 143 pressures, including 13.5 sacks. He didn’t play under Jonathan Gannon as his defensive coordinator, but Carter is the type of player who has the talent to transcend scheme.
The Packers may or may not be willing to give up more draft capital after making a big trade for Micah Parsons last August.
But creating a defensive front with both Parsons and Carter is an enticing proposition. If the Eagles aren’t sure about paying Carter, the Packers could take full advantage of the situation to build a real nightmare for quarterbacks along the defensive line.