Philadelphia sports this past month have been crazy. LeBron James to the Sixers, and now the Philadelphia Eagles have extended two-time Pro Bowl DT Jalen Carter to a four-year, $152 million extension worth up to $160 million, including $106 million guaranteed, which makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. To start, Howie Roseman is really thinking about the Eagles’ future. Extending Jordan Davis, drafting Makai Lemon, trading for Jonathan Greenard, and now extending Carter through 2031. First thoughts: I absolutely love the idea of the Eagles extending Carter. The Eagles are 32-11 when Carter plays, and now that record could increase with the potential Eagles master plan in the talks.
How Carter’s Deal Could Have Just Led to Maxx Crosby
Not only has Howie worked his magic again, but Carter’s contract will not have a hit over $12 million until 2029 because of the contract’s structure. The reasoning behind the structure is that DB Cooper DeJean and DB Quinyon Mitchell are eligible for a contract extension next season. Both players are proven true All-Pro talents who WILL get a big contract. Mitchell’s projected contract is a four-year deal worth $124-132 million in total, with an AAV of $31-$33 million per year and approximately $85-95 million guaranteed. If Mitchell has another All-Pro-caliber season, which is likely, he would surpass the current top of the cornerback market.
DeJean’s projected extension is a four-year deal worth $100-112 million dollars in total, an AAV of $25-28 million dollars, and approximately $65-75 million dollars guaranteed. He would likely become the highest-paid slot corner in NFL history if he continues on his current trajectory. Now, of course, DeJean was confirmed to play the safety position as well, so that projected contract could either increase or decrease depending on his performance. I personally don’t think DeJean will decrease and only will increase over the next 3-5 years.
In total value, if both are extended, it would be around $224-244 million dollars with a combined AAV of $56-61 million dollars. No doubt that’s a massive investment, but with the A.J. Brown contract off the books, DeJean and Mitchell’s want to be in Philadelphia, and the fact that the NFL’s salary cap increases by over $22 million per year from streaming deals, etc. The exact increase is not a fixed flat rate or a set guaranteed percentage. Instead, it is directly calculated based on the league’s overall shared revenue.
Under the CBA, which runs through 2030, players receive a 48% to 48.5% share of all league-wide revenue. As the NFL generates more money through TV contracts, ticket sales, and sponsorships, that pool grows, causing the individual team cap space to rise the following year.
So, yes, the Eagles could probably do the extensions while managing to keep their guys under contract. Now, they may have to restructure some contracts, but Roseman is known to work around contracts and do the impossible.
Howie could have another move up his sleeve
What else could the Eagles add? Well… the Eagles have been linked to star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. If you remember, during this past offseason, Crosby was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but the deal ultimately fell through. Do you know what other team was pushing for Crosby? Yep, the Eagles. Earlier, I discussed the new contract extension of Carter and possible contract extensions to DeJean and Mitchell. It’s no secret Crosby has a HUGE contract since he’s one of the top edge-rushers in the NFL. But again, with how Roseman structures contracts and is able to manipulate the system, the Eagles could afford Crosby as well.
What will it cost? There are no specific mock-up trades. But in my opinion, I could see the Eagles offering their 2027 and 2028 first-round picks and EDGE Nolan Smith Jr. Why is this trade realistic? I’ll explain.
The Raiders Return In The Trade
The Raiders get a young pass rusher to replace Crosby and two first-round picks. Of course, Smith Jr isn’t a top edge rusher, but he’s shown flash. The Raiders did make a ton of offseason moves this year, which is why this trade may actually benefit the Raiders. The Raiders spent $308.1 million on 14 players this past offseason. They also drafted Fernando Mendoza with hopes of him being their franchise QB. But for that to happen, you need to give your weapons.
Of course, they have Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, but their wide receiver core isn’t appealing with Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, and Jack Bech. Again, credit where it’s due. They added key defensive players, drafted Mendoza, etc., but you need WRs. Crosby’s contract is a 3-year, $106.5 million contract with $91.5 million in total and an AAV of $35.5 million. The Raiders could dump his salary and instead use it for weapons for Mendoza since they already upgraded their defense and offensive line. They would also be receiving Smith Jr who is a young EDGE and two-first round picks they could turn into anything.
Why Would This Make Sense For The Eagles?
Why does this make sense for the Eagles? This makes sense for the Eagles since they’ve really made it known they want an elite EDGE. The two-first round picks would be a loss, but if the Eagles make it deep into the playoffs, the draft picks wouldn’t be as valuable, and with the Smith Jr part, it would for sure be worth giving up for Crosby, and the Eagles have expressed interest in moving Smith for an elite EDGE. The Eagles also wouldn’t have to worry about Smith’s contract expiring after the 2027 season. The Eagles would get their elite EDGE in Crosby and then form one of the scariest defensive lines in Eagles history.
Crosby, Greenard, Carter, Davis, Moro Ojomo, Jalyx Hunt, etc. Not only one of the scariest defensive lines in Eagles history, but one of the scariest defenses in team history. You have Jihaad Campbell, Zack Baun, Mitchell, DeJean, Riq Woolen, and Andrew Mukuba behind the defensive line.
I personally think Roseman will try to acquire Crosby since it was reported that the Eagles have “enormous interest” and are apparently “nuclear hot” for Crosby. I think Crosby would really fit in with the Philadelphia culture and give the Eagles an amazing shot to go on another run, especially since the Rams acquired Myles Garrett; the Eagles are in a situation to jab back and make the potential NFC championship a dogfight. Of course, there hasn’t been any trade drawn up as of right now, but that could certainly change with Roseman as the GM.
What do you think? Are the Eagles done making moves, or do you think Roseman will drop a bomb on the NFL?
Main Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
