Eagles exercise fifth-year options for DT Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan Smith

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterDraft Winners and LosersFavorite Draft PicksAll 257 PicksBest and Worst ClassesThe BeastEagles exercise fifth-year options for DT Jalen Carter, edge rusher Nolan SmithJalen Carter and Nolan Smith Jr. are part of the Eagles' core players out of Georgia. Timothy Nwachukwu / Getty Images Share article1The Eagles exercised fifth-year options for defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith on Monday, keeping the former Georgia teammates who were first-round picks together in 2023 under contract in Philadelphia through at least the 2027 season. Carter, 25, has a fifth-year option value of $27.1 million, per overthecap.com. Smith, 25, has a fifth-year option value of $13.8. The decisions were not surprising, given that both are key players on the Eagles’ defense. More of a question was whether the Eagles would pursue contract extensions ahead of the fifth-year option, in particular for Carter, who is one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. They’re part of a core of former Georgia standouts along with defensive tackle Jordan Davis, who signed a three-year, $78 million extension on March 10 — nearly a year after they picked up his fifth-year option. General manager Howie Roseman, who drafted all three players out of Georgia, now has more time to negotiate long-term contract extensions. Both players were entering the final years of their rookie deals. The Eagles have been anticipating high-priced contracts for their young defensive players while planning their salary cap and cash spending during the past two offseasons. Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler who was named second-team All-Pro in 2024. He’s been viewed as a foundational player for the Eagles since he fell to the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 draft. Carter has 13.5 sacks in his career, although his impact on the game cannot always be judged based on statistics. The game plan of opposing offensive lines often is built around Carter, who succeeded Fletcher Cox as the centerpiece of the defensive line. Injuries slowed Carter in 2025, when he was limited to 11 games. He was also ejected before the opening statement of the season opener. It’s expected that if he signs a contract extension with the Eagles, he would become one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL. Smith, the No. 30 overall pick, has been productive when healthy. He has totaled 10.5 sacks in 45 games across three seasons, peaking with a 2024 postseason in which he led the Eagles with four sacks and four tackles for loss in four playoff games. The Eagles expected Smith to build off his breakout year. But Smith tore his left triceps during Super Bowl LIX, spent the offseason recovering, then tore the same muscle again in a Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith missed five regular season games and totaled three sacks and a tackle for loss. Monday’s move is sensible despite Smith’s injury history, although his role in the Eagles’ long-term plans remains uncertain. The Eagles traded two third-round picks for edge rusher Jonathan Greenard during the draft and signed him to a four-year, $100 million contract. They also have Jalyx Hunt as an ascending edge rusher. This decision keeps Smith under contract for at least two more seasons. The moves represent the organization’s interest in maintaining its core intact along the defensive front. The Eagles have now exercised the fifth-year options of four consecutive first-round picks: DeVonta Smith, Davis, Carter and Smith. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms