Jalen Carter has been one of the best overall defensive tackles during his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. The franchise recently rewarded him for his efforts by making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history. This sparked quite a reaction around the league.
Jalen Carter’s Contract Extension With Eagles Sparks Reactions
Carter signed a massive four-year contract extension with the Eagles worth $152 million. NFL insider Adam Schefter was one of the first to point out that his $38 million in AAV surpasses that of Jeffrey Simmons as the highest-paid defensive tackle.
Highest paid DTs in the NFL:
🏈Jalen Carter: $38M
🏈Jeffery Simmons: $35.2M
🏈Chris Jones: $31.75M
🏈Dexter Lawrence: $28M
🏈Milton Williams: $26M https://t.co/w4GGAbrRno— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 28, 2026
Albert Breer was one of many to respond to the breaking news, first reported by Schefter, and also commented on the significance of the new contract.
He said, “Jalen Carter gets his payday. And he’s just the third 2023 first-round to land a monster second deal — after Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. and Lions LB Jack Campbell.”
Rusty Mansell of Dawgs HQ commented on the college football angle for Carter, who played for the Georgia Bulldogs. He reacted to their growing list of stars currently in the NFL.
“This has to be the most money a group of teammates have ever made. Another former Georgia Bulldog with a massive contract,” stated Mansell.
This has to be the most money a group of teammates have ever made. Another former Georgia Bulldog with a massive contract. Highest paid EVER DT https://t.co/JtpRtJzVtT
— Rusty Mansell (@RustyMansell_) July 28, 2026
One account named Nico (elite takes) on X had a slightly different opinion of the situation. He admitted to being surprised by Howie Roseman being so quick to give Carter what he was looking for.
“Sheesh, I’m surprised Howie didn’t play any hardball,” speculated Nico.
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Jake Rabadi was on the other end when it came to his opinion of the situation. He believes the Eagles made the right move and doesn’t think it was a hard call.
Rabadi wrote, “Absolute no brainer. I was going to make a tweet earlier wondering out loud if something got done before/during the early parts of camp. Glad it’s out of the way. Cornerstone player.”
Absolute no brainer. I was going to make a tweet earlier wondering out loud if something got done before/during the early parts of camp. Glad it’s out of the way. Cornerstone player. https://t.co/k8wjRnjJxn
— Jake Rabadi (@JakeRabadi) July 28, 2026
Carter regressed a bit last season following his breakout performance in the year before, falling from 3rd to 12th in PFN’s DT Impact Rankings among defensive tackles. Aidan Doc pointed out the Eagles’ confidence that the dip was likely just due to injury troubles and isn’t necessarily a major concern.
“The Eagles fully believe in him to bounce back, as he was great [when] healthy. The Eagles don’t believe all the outside noise. A game wrecker that [will fully] return to form this year,” explained Doc.
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The superstar defensive tackle also received praise from players around the league. Among those who congratulated him was his former teammate Darius Slay.
“Yes sir.. congrats to my dawg,” expressed Slay.
Yes sir.. congrats to my dawg https://t.co/oeyJibtute
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) July 28, 2026
While the Eagles locked in their defensive centerpiece, Barstool’s Steven Cheah reminded the NFL world of Vita Vea and his situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He recently requested a trade amid their ongoing contract negotiations.
“This is bad news for the Bucs/Vita Vea,” said Cheah.
Carter and Vea were both seeking contracts this offseason, but the Eagles got their deal done. This essentially eliminates the possibility of Vea going to Philadelphia as a potential replacement and puts pressure on the Buccaneers, as Vea now has additional leverage when negotiating a conclusion with Tampa Bay after Carter set a brand-new standard for the position.
