Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter might have had his ups and downs during the 2025 season, but he is still considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
Carter racked up 33 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, seven pass deflections, five tackles for loss, and three sacks in 11 games last season, which included missing time for injuries and a suspension for spitting at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. He still made his second straight Pro Bowl and has everyone's attention in the NFL.
This offseason, it has been all about deciding what to do with Carter's contract, with his fifth-year option available to be picked up, and an extension is on the table to happen this offseason instead of waiting. Is there a third nightmare option to consider?
Would the Eagles dare to do the unthinkable with Jalen Carter?
Bleacher Report writer Brad Gagnon shared an article on some players that would be considered surprise trades in 2026. Gagnon included Carter on that list.
"Well, he's a 24-year-old top-10 pick who was a key part of the 2024 Super Bowl team and is still widely expected to dominate up front for another decade."
"Micah Parsons seemed to suggest on his Bleacher Report podcast that Carter might have been on the table in trade talks with Dallas last offseason. He's actually coming off a down year, but an otherwise-loaded defensive team could use his trajectory and still-low salary to command one hell of a return."
Carter has been one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL over the last three years. From his ability to pressure the quarterback to his impact on special teams blocking field goals, he's an invaluable member of the Eagles.
While Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is game to make any trade at any time, trading Carter would be a completely out-there move for the team. Roseman values linemen more than any other position in the league, so it would be very unlikely that he would ever do that.
Read more: Ian Rapoport's latest on Eagles-A.J. Brown trade tells a very different story
Don't expect the Eagles to ever trade for Carter, as that seems like a crazy move, but it is the NFL, so never count anything out.