The Eagles' $200 Million Question: Can They Keep Carter, Davis AND Phillips?

Three Contracts, One Cap

The Eagles have a problem most teams would kill to have: too many good defensive players who all need to get paid. Jalen Carter is approaching superstar money. Jordan Davis is due for an extension. And Jaelan Phillips — the Eagles' top free agency priority — is about to hit the open market.

As broken down on The National Football Show, keeping all three could cost north of $200 million in total contract value. The salary cap is at $301.2 million in 2026, up from $34 million in 1994. The money has exploded, but so have the price tags.

Phillips Is Priority Number One

Jaelan Phillips has to be the first call. He's the Eagles' most important free agent, and his versatility in Vic Fangio's defense makes him more valuable than a traditional edge rusher. Phillips can set the edge, drop into coverage, and rush the passer — that kind of flexibility is rare and expensive.

If Phillips hits the open market, multiple teams will throw $20 million per year at him. The Eagles need to get this done before free agency opens.

The Carter Extension Is Coming

Jalen Carter is going to reset the defensive tackle market. It's not a question of if, it's when. After his dominant 2025 season, Carter has established himself as the best interior defender in football. That extension will be massive — likely $30 million per year or more.

Something Has to Give

Here's the reality: you probably can't keep everyone at top dollar. Jordan Davis might be the odd man out if the numbers don't work. He's a phenomenal run stopper, but in a league that pays edge rushers and interior pass rushers first, Davis's skill set might be replaceable at a lower cost.

Howie Roseman's ability to structure deals, push money into future years, and find creative cap solutions will determine whether the Eagles can keep this defensive core together. The next 60 days will define the franchise for years.