​I still don’t see how the Philadelphia Eagles can head into the next season thinking anything short of keeping Jalen Carter on their roster for a very long time. I’m among the biggest Carter supporters out there, and while I understand he has some issues on the defensive side of the ball and off the field, I still believe he’s one of the best players in the NFL. For a team aiming to win a Super Bowl, there’s absolutely no reason to cut bait with him right now. If the Eagles decide to move on, I’d genuinely question Howie Roseman, something I don’t often do.
My only question for the Eagles is this: if they decide to part ways with Carter, when would that happen? Won’t they want to secure a solid haul for Carter now, before he could leave for nothing and before his value slips as he becomes a free agent? That’s a decision the Eagles will need to make in the coming months, as his price could drift downward day by day.
Still, I believe Carter is a very good player, and if they choose to move on, a recent column suggested he could even be the one to be traded. The writer noted that “The Eagles and Carter are still likely to get a contract extension done (and they should). What if both sides are at an impasse when camp starts? Does Carter hold out until he gets a deal? What if the Eagles stand firm on their approach and want Carter to show more consistent production and maturity?”
If extension talks drag on and Carter seeks a record-setting deal, perhaps Carter’s representation would push for a trade. It’s a scenario the Eagles don’t want to face, but one they may have to consider. This could look bad if the Eagles traded A.J. Brown and Jalen Carter within a few months of each other. The Eagles cannot allow that to happen, and ideally, it shouldn’t reach that point, as Jeff Kerr suggested.
There’s a tangible tension here: Carter could be chasing a massive contract, and that reality looms large as the Eagles weigh their options. It’s a harsh truth of the situation—and likely the primary motivator behind any contemplation of moving on. If the goal is to remain competitive and contend for a title, Philadelphia probably needs to prioritize Carter’s long-term impact and his fit within the defensive plan, even as they navigate the financial and contractual hurdles that come with a potential extension or trade scenario.