The NFL offseason is often defined by roster building and contract disputes. While it’s unclear whether he’ll hold out during training camp, Jalen Carter has already been holding in during Philadelphia Eagles minicamp. A recent report suggests this contract situation won’t be resolved quickly. In fact, it could become contentious if Carter’s camp decides to push the issue.
According to a report from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Eagles are not only in no rush to extend Carter. They are also hesitant to seriously engage in negotiations at this stage. Carter underwent offseason surgery on both shoulders. The team may want to see him return to form before committing to a long-term deal.
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“[The Eagles] are hesitant to pay him,” Breer wrote in a Q&A response regarding Carter’s contract situation.
“Philadelphia is telling you what you need to know with its actions. The Eagles have always been aggressive paying their own, in large part because they know that the earlier you do the deal, the better the price you’ll get.”
History makes this telling
That’s a significant indicator of how the Eagles may be approaching a contract situation that could linger into the regular season. The organization had no issue extending Carter’s longtime teammate, Jordan Davis, this offseason. There has never been any doubt about Carter’s talent, which made him a projected top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
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However, health concerns are no longer the only consideration. Carter’s history has also raised questions about maturity and discipline. He has been ejected from games, penalized for costly personal fouls, and was involved in a fatal car crash while at Georgia. That’s not to suggest those issues are driving Philadelphia’s hesitation, but they could be part of the overall evaluation.
Breer also noted that some of the delay may stem from the Eagles’ desire to secure more team-friendly terms.
“The fact that we’re into June without Jalen Carter having a deal is notable. And I’d guess if they do one now, before his fourth season as a pro, then it’d come with flexibility for the team. If Carter won’t give them that flexibility now, maybe he’ll just wait another year,” Breer said.
Whether the concern centers on Carter’s health, the structure of a potential contract, or the broader picture surrounding him as a player, the Eagles appear to have reasons for proceeding cautiously. If Carter’s camp decides to escalate the situation, a training camp hold-in could be the next step.
