Eagles pick up the 5th year option for All-Pro DT Jalen Carter
· Yahoo Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles have navigated Free agency and the NFL draft, leaving the biggest question to center around Jalen Carter and what a potential contract extension would look like for the All-Pro defensive tackle. General Manager Howie Roseman stated the team must make sacrifices to retain core, homegrown talent. Key defensive players have departed. Jordan Davis signed a record-setting deal, and now the team has decided to exercise fifth-year options for two crucial defenders. Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler and has achieved All-Pro status, and there's been some talk of a potential $40 million contract. Philadelphia could buy itself some time by allowing Carter to play under his 5th-year option. Teams will have until Friday, May 1, to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option on first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft.
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The Eagles duo is among 15+ players who still have no decision after Minnesota just made one on Jordan Addison.
The Eagles also exercised the fifth-year option for DT Jalen Carter. https://t.co/jgiV4oPbxT
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) April 27, 2026
What is a 5th-year option?
The NFL currently operates under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that is valid through the 2030 season. Article 7, Section 7 (g) of that agreement stipulates that a team can exercise a fifth-year option for all first-round draft picks. With the new league year fast approaching, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position. The option means a team can keep its first-round pick for one extra year without agreeing to an extension. That fifth year's salary is fully guaranteed. All rookies who are drafted sign four-year contracts, and the fifth-year option is available only to first-round picks. Teams must decide on fifth-year options after a first-round rookie has played three full seasons in the NFL.
With Friday, May 1, just days away, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position.
5th year option for Jalen Carter -- Multiple Pro Bowls option
Because Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler, the fifth-year option for the star defensive tackle is $27, 127,000
Despite two badly injured shoulders, Carter was the Eagles' lone Pro Bowl starter. In 12 games this season, he had 33 tackles, 41 QB pressures, 11 quarterback hits, and three sacks. Carter dealt with injuries last season, but will certainly have his fifth-year option exercised, and is eligible for a contract extension.
5th-year option for Nolan Smith -- Basic option
A first-round pick who's eligible for an extension, Smith had 20 tackles, two sacks, and 33 pressures in 452 snaps after missing seven games. The 5th-year option, as it currently stands, is $14 million for 2027.
$14,475,000 (if considered a defensive end)
$13,752,000 (if considered a linebacker)
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles pick up the 5th year option for All-Pro DT Jalen Carter