Will Eagles pick up 5th-year options on Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith?

The Philadelphia Eagles have navigated Free agency and the NFL draft, leaving the biggest question to center around Jalen Carter and what a potential contract extension would look like for the All-Pro defensive tackle. General Manager Howie Roseman stated the team must make sacrifices to retain core, homegrown talent. Key defensive players have departed. Jordan Davis signed a record-setting deal, and now the next decision is whether to exercise fifth-year options for two crucial defenders. Carter is a two-time Pro Bowler and has achieved All-Pro status, 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 Friday, May 1, to decide whether or not to exercise the fifth-year option on first-round picks from the 2023 NFL draft.

The Eagles duo is among 15+ players who still have no decision after Minnesota just made one on Jordan Addison.

What is a 5th-year option?

The NFL currently operates under the 2020 collective bargaining agreement that is valid through the 2030 season.  of that agreement stipulates that a team can exercise a fifth-year option for all first-round draft picks. With the new league year fast approaching, here are the fifth-year option numbers for each position. The option means a team can keep its first-round pick for one extra year without agreeing to an extension. That fifth year's salary is fully guaranteed. All rookies who are drafted sign four-year contracts, and the fifth-year option is available only to first-round picks. Teams must decide on fifth-year options after a first-round rookie has played three full seasons in the NFL.