The Philadelphia Eagles fan base is still hyped about the team getting a new deal done with star defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman rewarded Carter with a four-year, $152 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. After earning two Pro Bowl selections in three seasons, Carter proved himself to be worthy of his $38 million per year deal.
Now that the Eagles can move forward with the 2026 season without any distractions, the question is whether it was the right move. Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes it is, with a bold claim.
"Oh, big time," Orlovsky said on ESPN's NFL Live. "I mean, he's been one of the best defensive tackles in football, and when the fact that they've got Carter locked up now and you look at, at least on paper, this defense, you're going, this is one of the most talented and youngest defenses in football. And if you look at their schedule, it's the opportunity early. You see the number ranking on the right; that's their offensive lines. Okay, so early for this defensive line that now has Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter locked up. They traded for Greenard. They've got Ojomo, still Nolan Smith, to really dominate football games. And then there's a stretch near where that Rams and Bears schedule, you're going to play against really good offensive lines. And so I think this has the chance to be once again a top-five defense. And you're talking about a defensive line that could resemble the one that we saw in 2024 when the Eagles won the Super Bowl, and they dominated people up front."
Are the Eagles a top-five defensive unit in the NFL?
It's hard to argue against the facts. The Eagles have multiple players considered the best at each level of the defense.
On the defensive line, Carter is considered a top-three talent at tackle. Zack Baun is considered one of the best linebackers over the last two years. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are fighting it out for the best cornerbacks in the league.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has coached a great defense since taking over the job in 2024. Philly ranked first in yards and second in points allowed in 2024. Last year, they were 13th in total defense and fifth in points allowed.
There are even more great talents that haven't been mentioned yet but are key contributors. Jalyx Hunt led the team in sacks (6.5) and interceptions (three) last season. Defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo each had career seasons last year, leading to Davis signing his record-breaking contract extension this offseason. New addition Jonathan Greenard, when healthy, has produced 12 or more sacks in 2023 and 2024 each of the last two years.
Read more: Jalen Carter just sealed his Eagles teammate's fate after historic contract
The reality is the talent level on this defense is insane, and if the younger talent continues to grow, they are only going to get better. Philly's defense is for real, and they are scary to play against.
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