Full Breakdown
Eagles Exercise Fifth-Year Options on Defensive Linemen Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith
4/28/2026, 7:53:52 AM
Eagles Secure Defensive Core with Fifth-Year Options
The Philadelphia Eagles announced Monday that they exercised the fifth-year options on both of their 2023 first-round defensive selections, defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith. Under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, first-round picks become eligible for a fifth-year option after three seasons; the option salary is set by tier, ranging from a basic level to a franchise-tender level for multiple Pro Bowl selections. By exercising the options, the Eagles lock in Carter’s $27.1 million (Tier 4) and Smith’s $13.7 million (Tier 1) salaries for the 2027 season, making the amounts fully guaranteed.
Player Profiles and Contract Details
Carter, the ninth overall pick, entered his third season as a two-time Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro (2024). He has amassed 13.5 sacks, 25 tackles for loss, 37 quarterback hits, 13 passes defended and four forced fumbles in 43 games. Smith, selected 30th overall, has not earned a Pro Bowl and remains in Tier 1. He recorded 10.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, two passes defended and two forced fumbles over 45 games, including a franchise-record four postseason sacks in the 2024 playoff run. The exercised options lock in Carter’s $27.127 million and Smith’s $13.752 million salaries for 2027.
Official Statements & Responses
The team’s official announcement confirmed the moves, noting that the guaranteed options secure key defensive pieces while buying time for long-term contract talks. ESPN’s coverage reiterated the guarantee status and highlighted the players’ roles in the 2024 Super Bowl-winning defense. General manager Howie Roseman has indicated the organization is balancing defender retention with salary-cap constraints.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact option values: Carter’s salary is reported as $27.127 million, $27.1 million, and $27 million; Smith’s as $13.752 million, $13.7 million, and $14 million. Smith’s career sack total also varies, with figures of 9.5, 10.5 and 6.5 appearing across reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Philadelphiaeagles.com
- “Open Extended Reactions PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles exercised the fifth-year options for defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr.” — ESPN
- “The Philadelphia Eagles exercised the fifth-year options for Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith on Monday, the team announced.” — Team announcement (CBS News)
- “Eagles pick up 5th year option for Nolan Smith Eagles pick up 5th year option for Nolan Smith The Eagles also exercised the fifth-year option for DT Jalen Carter.” — Tim McManus, Twitter
What’s Next
Both players remain under contract through 2027, after which they become unrestricted free agents in 2028. The exercised options give the Eagles additional leverage to negotiate extensions before the 2026 season, potentially mirroring the recent Jordan Davis deal. The team also retains other pass-rush assets, including Jonathan Greenard and Jalyx Hunt, as it plans its defensive roster strategy.
