Jalen Carter contract details: Eagles ink star DT to historic extension ahead of 2026 season

Jalen Carter contract details: Eagles ink star DT to historic extension ahead of 2026 season originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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With A.J. Brown gone, Jordan Davis extended, a new-look offense and Jonathan Greenard and Riq Woolen added to Vic Fangio’s defense, the Philadelphia Eagles checked every offseason box but one heading into 2026 training camp. Now, that list appears complete.

Star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was an extension candidate throughout the summer, but it wasn’t until Tuesday that the Eagles were able to come to an agreement. And for Carter, the wait appears to have been well worth it.

The 25-year-old is set to become the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history with his extension in Philadelphia, per Adam Schefter.

Here’s what to know about Carter’s new deal with the Eagles.

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Jalen Carter contract details

• Years: 4
• Amount: $152 million

Schefter reported Tuesday that the Eagles and Carter have agreed to a four-year, $152 million extension that can reach up to $160 million and includes $106 million guaranteed. The deal keeps Carter in Philadelphia through the 2031 season.

Extensions for each of the Eagles’ star defensive tackles, Carter and Davis, were priorities this offseason. Earlier in the offseason, Davis agreed to a three-year, $78 million extension with $65 million guaranteed. Now, Carter is locked in for the long term as well.

JC is here to stay! We have agreed to terms with Jalen Carter on a contract extension through 2031. pic.twitter.com/qGlKwqJQn4

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 28, 2026

Carter’s AAV of $38 million makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, surpassing the Titans‘ Jeffrey Simmons, who agreed to a deal with Tennessee earlier this year worth $35.2 million per season.

With Davis and Carter solidified as cornerstones of the Eagles’ interior defensive line for seasons to come, Howie Roseman’s offseason to-do list appears complete. However, similar issues may arise next offseason when All-Pro defensive backs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean both become extension-eligible.

MORE:Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen among best NFL free agents still available

Highest-paid defensive tackles in NFL

Carter is making history with his new contract, surpassing the precedent set by Jeffrey Simmons earlier this year as the new highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.

At $38 million per year, Carter will likely hold that throne among defensive tackles for some time. 

Here’s a look at the new list of highest-paid defensive tackles right now by contract AAV:

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Highest-paid defenders in NFL

Carter isn’t just the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL now — he’s one of the highest-paid defenders in general. 

Only six defenders, all pass rushers, are making more in AAV entering the 2026 season.

Here are the NFL’s highest-paid defensive players by average annual value:

Jalen Carter stats

Carter is entering his fourth NFL season, but after going No. 9 overall to the Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, he quickly emerged as one of the more potent inside defensive forces in the NFL.

Here’s a look at Carter’s career numbers so far:

How old is Jalen Carter?

Carter is 25 years old. He’ll turn 26 on Apr. 4, 2027.

The Eagles star’s new extension will take him through his age-30 season in 2031.