Will Anderson's $150M deal raises stakes for Eagles star Jalen Carter

Depending on whom you ask, Jalen Carter is either set to be the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL or he could be traded for more assets. What we do know is that Carter has to be inspired after Will Anderson Jr. just shook up the league with his new deal.

The ripple effects of the Texans' pass rusher signing a historic three-year, $150 million extension are already being felt across the NFL, and few players could stand to benefit more than Jalen Carter. With $134 million guaranteed, Anderson's deal resets the market for elite non-quarterbacks and establishes a new financial ceiling for dominant defensive players. For Carter, who has quickly emerged as one of the most disruptive interior forces in football, the contract provides a powerful benchmark as he moves closer to extension eligibility.

Philadelphia now faces a familiar but high-stakes decision. The Eagles have built their identity around elite offensive and defensive line play, and Carter is central to that vision moving forward. If his trajectory continues, he could command a deal that rivals or even exceeds Anderson's annual value, especially given the premium placed on interior disruption.

Carter, the No. 9 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, has been an All-Pro and is a two-time Pro Bowler, and there's been some talk of a potential $40 million contract. Philadelphia could buy itself some time by allowing Carter to play under his 5th-year option. Teams will have until May 1 to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option on first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft. He's logged 108 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles over the past three seasons, but dealt with shoulder injuries in 2025 that stunted his growth. Howie Roseman has talked about locking up key defenders on long-term deals, but are the Eagles prepared to extend Carter, Moro Ojomo, and potentially give Jaelan Phillips $25 million per season?