Eagles Weigh Jalen Carter Trade Amid Contract Concerns

Philadelphia considers moving star defensive tackle due to maturity, conditioning issues

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly open to trading star defensive tackle Jalen Carter, just a year after signing his teammate Jordan Davis to a massive contract extension. Carter's high salary demands, combined with concerns over his maturity and conditioning, have the Eagles weighing whether to move the talented but inconsistent player for a potentially steep price in draft capital.

Why it matters

The potential trade of Jalen Carter would be a surprising move by the Eagles, who were expected to build their defensive line around the duo of Carter and Davis. However, Carter's off-field issues and the high cost of retaining him have the team reconsidering their plans, potentially shaking up the NFL draft landscape if they can find a trade partner willing to meet their asking price.

The details

The Eagles signed Jordan Davis, another standout defensive tackle from Georgia, to a 3-year, $78 million extension last offseason. With Carter's 5th-year option in 2027 projected to exceed $27 million, the team is concerned about the long-term cost of retaining both players. There are also questions about Carter's maturity and conditioning, as he dealt with a shoulder injury that impacted his play in 2025. The Eagles reportedly explored trading Carter to the Cowboys and Raiders last year, but were unable to find a deal. Now, the team is openly fielding calls about moving Carter, who would command a steep price in any trade.

  • In August 2022, the Eagles explored trading Carter to the Cowboys but were unable to agree on a deal.
  • Prior to the 2023 NFL Draft, the Eagles discussed a potential trade that would have sent Carter to the Raiders in exchange for edge rusher Maxx Crosby, but those talks did not progress.
  • In March 2026, the Eagles signed Jordan Davis to a 3-year, $78 million contract extension.

The players

Jalen Carter

A standout defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Carter has dealt with maturity and conditioning issues, and the Eagles are now weighing whether to trade him due to his high salary demands.

Jordan Davis

The Eagles' other star defensive tackle, who the team signed to a 3-year, $78 million extension last offseason. Davis and Carter were teammates at Georgia and were expected to anchor the Eagles' defensive line together.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, who is weighing whether to trade Jalen Carter due to concerns over his off-field issues and the high cost of retaining him long-term.

Drew Rosenhaus

Jalen Carter's agent, who is expected to push for a contract that would reset the market for elite defensive tackles.

Micah Parsons

The star linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, whom the Eagles reportedly explored trading Jalen Carter for last year before the Cowboys declined to move Parsons within the NFC East.

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What they’re saying

“Now comes word that the Eagles are fielding calls on Carter, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (SI.com)

What’s next

The Eagles will continue to field trade offers for Jalen Carter, with the team expected to demand a steep price in draft capital or high-end players in exchange for the talented but inconsistent defensive tackle.

The takeaway

The potential trade of Jalen Carter highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face in managing their salary cap and roster, especially when it comes to high-priced defensive linemen. The Eagles must weigh Carter's immense talent against his off-field issues and the long-term cost of retaining him, a decision that could have significant ripple effects across the league.