when is jalen carter contract up

Introduction

Jalen Carter continues to dominate headlines, not only for his talent but also for the future of his career. Fans often ask, “when is Jalen Carter contract up?” Understanding his contract timeline reveals how long the Philadelphia Eagles can rely on him under his rookie deal and when big decisions about extensions or free agency will surface. In this blog, I explain Carter’s contract length, salary breakdown, and what it means for the NFL Draft strategy of the Eagles.

1. Jalen Carter’s Rookie Contract Basics

When the Eagles drafted Jalen Carter ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, he signed a fully guaranteed rookie contract. The deal runs for four years through the 2026 season, with a team option for a fifth year in 2027.

That means Carter’s current deal keeps him under Philadelphia’s control until at least the end of the 2026 season, unless the team picks up his option for one more year.

2. Contract Value and Salary

Carter’s rookie contract is worth about $21.8 million, fully guaranteed, with a signing bonus of over $12 million. Each year, his salary rises slightly as part of the structured rookie wage scale.

This deal makes him one of the highest-paid rookies from the 2023 class while still being team-friendly compared to veteran contracts. The Eagles benefit from securing elite defensive talent at a controlled cost during these early years.

3. When Is His Contract Up?

To answer directly: Jalen Carter’s contract is up after the 2026 season. If the Eagles exercise his fifth-year option, he stays with the team through 2027. After that, he becomes eligible for a massive extension or unrestricted free agency.

This timeline means Philadelphia has at least three more seasons before they must make a long-term decision. Fans can expect extension talks to heat up by 2025 or 2026

4. What the Contract Means for the Eagles

The Eagles built a strong defensive line by drafting Carter alongside Georgia teammate Jordan Davis. With Carter on a rookie deal, Philadelphia saves cap space to spend on other stars like Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown.

When Carter’s contract nears its end, the Eagles face big choices:

Offer him one of the richest defensive contracts in NFL history.

Use the franchise tag if negotiations stall.

Let him test free agency, which seems unlikely given his talent.

5. Jalen Carter’s Value to Philadelphia

Carter already proved his worth in his rookie season by producing sacks, tackles for loss, and constant pressure on quarterbacks. Analysts call him one of the most dominant young defensive tackles in the league.

With that production and upside, it feels certain the Eagles will do everything possible to keep him long-term. His rookie deal only delays the payday everyone knows is coming.

6. Comparisons to Other Defensive Stars

Other top defensive tackles like Aaron Donald and Chris Jones signed contracts worth over $20 million per year. If Carter continues at his current pace, his future deal may surpass those numbers.

His rookie contract buys the Eagles time, but his next deal could reshape the team’s salary cap and roster strategy.

7. Why jalen carter Fans Care About His Contract Timeline

Fans ask “when is Jalen Carter contract up” because his timeline affects the Eagles’ ability to build a contender. While he remains on a rookie deal, the team has flexibility to add veterans. Once Carter signs a mega-extension, the Eagles will need to draft and develop cheaper players around him to balance the cap

8. The Bigger Picture for Carter’s Career

Carter’s contract doesn’t just matter for Philadelphia—it matters for the NFL. If he continues his rise, his eventual deal could reset the defensive market. Teams around the league watch his progress closely, knowing it influences future negotiations for other young stars.

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Other extra keywords written: rookie contract, salary cap, extension, free agency, defensive tackle, fifth-year option

FAQs

Q1: When is Jalen Carter’s contract up?

His rookie deal runs through 2026, with a possible fifth-year option for 2027.

Q2: How much is Jalen Carter’s contract worth?

He signed a four-year, $21.8 million deal with a $12 million signing bonus.

Q3: Can the Eagles extend his contract early?

Yes. They can begin extension talks after his third season, which means negotiations could start in 2025.

Q4: Will Carter become the highest-paid defensive tackle?

If he keeps performing at an elite level, his next deal could surpass $25 million annually, making him one of the highest-paid defenders.

Q5: What happens if the Eagles don’t extend him?

They could pick up his fifth-year option for 2027, use the franchise tag, or risk losing him in free agency

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