Should Eagles Pick Up Jalen Carter's Fifth-Year Option Instead of Extension?

The Jalen Carter Dilemma

Jalen Carter entered the 2024 season with massive expectations as a former top-10 draft pick with elite talent. Instead of taking the expected leap forward, Carter found himself outplayed by Milton Williams, a third-round pick from the same draft class who the Eagles allowed to walk away.

The conversation on The National Football Show raised a provocative question: Should the Eagles pump the brakes on Carter's long-term extension and simply pick up his fifth-year option instead?

The Case for Waiting

Consistency remains Carter's biggest issue. Despite flashing elite ability at times, he hasn't put together the sustained excellence expected from a player of his draft pedigree. The Eagles need to see proof of growth, not just glimpses of potential.

Off-field maturity questions also linger. Carter needs to prove he's fully committed to being a professional and handling the responsibilities that come with being a cornerstone defensive player.

Health concerns add another layer of uncertainty. Shoulder issues have popped up, and the Eagles need confidence that Carter can stay on the field for a full season before committing major money.

The Milton Williams Factor

Perhaps most damning for Carter's immediate extension case is how Milton Williams performed this season. Williams, drafted in the third round, consistently outplayed both Carter and Jordan Davis despite receiving far less attention and investment.

Williams is nearly the same age as Jordan Davis, making the Eagles' decision to let him leave while keeping Davis even more puzzling. The third-round pick proved to be more reliable and impactful than either higher draft choice.

This comparison raises uncomfortable questions about talent evaluation and development within the Eagles' defensive line room.

The Risk of Waiting

Delaying Carter's extension carries significant financial risk. If Carter has a breakout 2025 season, his price tag could skyrocket beyond what the Eagles can afford. Elite defensive linemen command premium contracts, and waiting could cost tens of millions.

The fifth-year option provides some security, but it's essentially a one-year prove-it deal. If Carter gets injured or has another inconsistent season, both sides lose leverage in future negotiations.

Ceiling vs. Floor Debate

Carter's ceiling remains undeniably higher than most defensive linemen in the league. When he's locked in and healthy, he can be a game-wrecker who changes offensive game plans. That elite potential makes him attractive for a long-term investment.

However, his floor has been concerning. Disappearing in crucial moments, inconsistent effort, and inability to impact games when the Eagles needed him most represent significant red flags for a potential franchise cornerstone.

The Jordan Davis Parallel

The Eagles face a similar situation with Jordan Davis, who also hasn't consistently lived up to his draft position. Davis received a contract extension despite similar concerns about consistency and impact.

That precedent could influence Carter's situation, though the defensive line market and Carter's position create different dynamics. Pass rushers typically command more money than run-stuffing defensive tackles.

What Carter Must Prove

For Carter to earn a long-term extension, he needs to demonstrate several key improvements:

Consistency: Show up every week with the same intensity and impact Availability: Stay healthy for a full season without injury concerns Maturity: Handle all professional responsibilities without incident Leadership: Become a player teammates and coaches can rely on Production: Generate statistics that match his talent level

The Financial Reality

The Eagles face numerous expensive decisions this offseason and in future years. Committing massive money to Carter without certainty about his development could limit flexibility elsewhere on the roster.

Salary cap management requires difficult choices about which players deserve long-term investments. Carter's inconsistency makes him a risky bet compared to proven veterans or emerging players at other positions.

Alternative Approaches

Instead of a traditional extension, the Eagles could explore creative contract structures that protect both sides. Performance-based incentives, team options, or shorter-term deals with higher annual values could provide flexibility.

These approaches allow Carter to bet on himself while giving the Eagles protection against continued inconsistency or injury concerns.

The Verdict

The fifth-year option represents the safest approach for both parties. Carter gets another year to prove his worth at a guaranteed salary, while the Eagles maintain flexibility without overcommitting to an unproven commodity.

If Carter truly breaks out in 2025, the Eagles can still negotiate a long-term deal or use the franchise tag. If he continues struggling with consistency, they avoid being locked into a massive contract for an underperforming player.

As discussed on The National Football Show, patience might be the best strategy with Carter's situation. Sometimes the smartest move is waiting for definitive proof rather than betting on potential.

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