Jalen Carter’s pre-draft process was as turbulent as any; still, he became the first first-round pick to sign his rookie contract. Adam Schefter reported this afternoon that Jalen Carter and the Eagles have agreed on a four-year, $21,806,184 million deal. According to Schefter, the deal is fully guaranteed.
Philadelphia traded up to land Carter, proving they’re not concerned with his off-the-field issues. So now they’ve doubled down by giving him a fully guaranteed rookie contract. Schefter reported that Howie Roseman, Jake Rosenberg, and Bryce Johnston negotiated the deal between the Eagles and Drew Rosenhaus, Ryan Matha, and Jason Rosenhaus.
The Eagles drafted Carter as the ninth pick by trading a future fourth-round pick to the Chicago Bears.
The former Georgia defensive tackle was once considered a potential No. 1 pick in the draft. Many experts regarded Carter as the most skilled non-quarterback athlete among all the prospects in the draft class. However, an arrest stemming from his involvement in a fatal January car crash in Athens, Georgia, and a rough pro day in Athens caused many around the NFL to question whether or not his talent was worth the risk.
A court sentenced the potential draft pick, who is 21 years old, to 12 months of probation, a fine, 80 hours of community service, and completion of a defensive driving course. He will not serve any jail time and cannot face additional charges in connection with the crash.
Carter logged 15.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, 66 pressures, four pass knockdowns, and two forced fumbles at Georgia. He was an All-American in 2022 despite missing two games due to a knee injury. Carter Carter is a twitchy, three-down defensive lineman with extraordinary quickness and power. He moves extraordinarily well for his size. Despite not posting huge sack totals, Carter is the best defensive lineman in the draft.
Carter and fellow Bulldog Nolan Smith has many โ including myself โ drooling over the Eagles draft class.