Eagles exercise fifth-year options for Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith
PhillyVoice • • sports
Key Points:
- The Philadelphia Eagles have exercised the fifth-year contract options for first-round picks Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, securing their services for the 2027 season.
- Fifth-year options apply to first-round draft picks after their third NFL season, with salary tiers based on playtime and accolades; Carter qualifies for the highest tier due to two Pro Bowls, while Smith is in the basic tier.
- Exercising the fifth-year option fully guarantees the player's salary for that year and any non-guaranteed salary in their fourth season, a policy change that has led to fewer fifth-year option uses league-wide.
- Carter is considered one of the Eagles' top defensive talents and may receive a major contract extension, while Smith showed significant promise in late 2024 despite injury setbacks in 2025.
- The Eagles have a history of selective fifth-year option decisions and currently have additional edge defenders Jonathan Greenard and Jalyx Hunt, with Hunt approaching eligibility for a contract extension.
