Defensive lineman Jalen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith will not become unrestricted free agents for the Philadelphia Eagles next offseason.
That’s because the Eagles are exercising the fifth-year options in the contracts for both players.
First, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Monday evening the Eagles picked up Smith’s fifth-year option. That will pay Smith $13.7 million for the 2027 campaign.
Locks him into around $13.7M in 2027.
The Athletic’s Zach Berman confirmed that report. Then minutes later, Berman wrote on social media the Eagles also picked up Carter’s fifth-year option.
According to Spotrac, Carter’s fifth-year option is worth $27.127 million. By picking up the option, the Eagles agreed to pay Carter that amount for the 2027 season.
Both defenders are key parts of the Philadelphia defense. General manager Howie Roseman is trying to walk a tightrope to keep all his star defenders.
So while both Carter and Smith are candidates for long-term deals, they aren’t guaranteed to land new contracts prior to the 2026 campaign.
But keeping both in the fold for an additional season makes a lot of sense. It also gives Roseman more time to negotiate long-term deals with both players.
Eagles Exercise Fifth-Year Option for Defensive Lineman Jalen Carter
After the reports from Fowler and Berman, the Eagles announced on the team’s website they exercised the fifth-year options for both Carter and Smith.
The Eagles selected each defender during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Philadelphia drafted Carter at No. 9 overall and Smith at No. 30.
Both defenders were also teammates in college at Georgia. Carter and Smith won two championships together with the Bulldogs and have won a Super Bowl in Philadelphia.
“The defenders from Georgia have been pillars on Philadelphia’s defensive line since they arrived, and they were rewarded by the organization that gave them a chance in the 2023 NFL Draft,” wrote Philadelphiaeagles.com.
Neither fifth-year option comes as a surprise, especially in Carter’s case. The Eagles signed fellow interior defensive lineman Jordan Davis, who also went to Georgia, to a 3-year, $78 million extension this offseason.
For that reason, it makes sense for the Eagles to delay the long-term decision on Carter’s contract. It’s not yet clear if Philadelphia will agreed to a similar type deal with Carter because that would give the Eagles a lot of salary cap money tied to defensive tackle.
Carter, though, is worthy of a long-term deal. He made second-team All-Pro during the 2024 campaign. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2024 and 2025.
In 43 NFL games, Carter has posted 108 combined tackles, including 25 tackles for loss, and 37 quarterback hits. He has also registered 13.5 sacks, 13 pass defenses and four forced fumbles.
Eagles Also Pick Up Nolan Smith’s Option for 2027
Unsurprisingly, the Eagles made the same fifth-year option decision with both of their 2023 first-round picks.
Philadelphia has deployed Smith in a variety of defensive spots over the past three years. His unique athleticism allows for him to fill multiple roles.
Over the past two years, though, Smith has been more of an edge rusher. He has 9.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
Smith has also registered 10 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hits with two pass defenses and two forced fumbles in 45 career games.
Smith continuing to be a playmaker will be key for Philadelphia’s defense this season. The Eagles lost edge rusher Jaelan Phillips during NFL free agency.
Philadelphia, though, did acquire veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard during Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Carter and Smith will each become unrestricted free agents in March 2028. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Eagles sign either or both to long-term deals before then.
Eagles Make Final Call on Fifth-Year Options for Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith: Reports