The Philadelphia Eagles have officially exercised the fifth-year options for both Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, the team announced. The move locks up two cornerstone defensive pieces through the 2026 season and signals the organization's commitment to building around their young pass-rushing duo.
Jalen Carter: Worth Every Penny
Carter's fifth-year option is valued at approximately $27.16 million, making it one of the most expensive fifth-year options ever exercised for a defensive tackle. But the Eagles aren't blinking.
And why would they? In just two seasons, Carter has established himself as one of the premier interior defenders in football:
- 2x Pro Bowl selection (2024, 2025)
- First-Team All-Pro (2025)
- Combined 15.5 sacks over two seasons
- 129 total pressures since entering the league
The former Georgia standout has lived up to the hype that made him the 9th overall pick in 2023. His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior has transformed Philadelphia's pass rush, and pairing him with Jordan Davis gives the Eagles arguably the best defensive tackle duo in the NFL.
Nolan Smith: The Breakout
Smith's option comes in at $13.75 million—a relative bargain considering his trajectory. After a quiet rookie season, Smith exploded in 2024-25 and hasn't looked back.
The defining moment? His franchise-record postseason sack total during the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX run. Smith was virtually unblockable in January and February, terrorizing offensive tackles across the NFC bracket.
Key Smith stats:
- 10.5 sacks in 2025 regular season
- Franchise record for postseason sacks in a single playoff run
- Elite burst off the edge (top-5 get-off time among edge rushers)
The 30th overall pick from 2023 has silenced critics who questioned whether his college production at Georgia would translate to the NFL. It has—and then some.
The Financial Picture
Combined, Carter and Smith will count for roughly $41 million against the 2026 cap under their fifth-year options. That's significant, but both players are candidates for long-term extensions before these options even kick in.
GM Howie Roseman has consistently prioritized keeping homegrown talent in Philadelphia. Expect extension talks with both players to begin this summer, with the goal of locking them up through their prime years at more cap-friendly structures.
Building Around the Core
With Carter and Smith secured through 2026 (at minimum), the Eagles' defensive foundation is set. Add in:
- Jordan Davis - Under contract through 2026
- Quinyon Mitchell - Locked up through 2027
- Jihaad Campbell - Rookie deal through 2028
Philadelphia's defense has the core pieces in place for a sustained run of contention. The fifth-year options for Carter and Smith ensure that run continues.
What's Next
Both players are expected to participate in OTAs beginning next month. With the 2026 schedule release coming in mid-May, the Eagles' championship defense will soon know exactly when they'll get to showcase their talent.
For Carter and Smith, the message from the organization is clear: You're the future. Now let's go get another ring.