The Philadelphia Eagles are staring down a pivotal offseason, and it’s not just about the usual free-agent shuffle. While linebacker Nakobe Dean, safety Reed Blankenship, tight end Dallas Goedert, and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips all hit the open market in 2026, the real chess match might be happening in the trenches - specifically at defensive tackle.
Three Talents, One Decision
General manager Howie Roseman has built a reputation for staying ahead of the curve, especially when it comes to locking up core players before their market value explodes. He’s done it with quarterbacks like Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts, linemen like Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata, and playmakers like DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert. It’s a strategy that’s helped keep the Eagles both competitive and cap-flexible over the years.
Now, Roseman faces a unique challenge: three defensive tackles - Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, and Jalen Carter - all due to hit free agency within a year of each other. Each brings something different to the table, and the Eagles likely can’t keep all three. So, who gets the long-term deal?
Breaking Down the Big Men
Let’s start with Jordan Davis. In 2025, Davis emerged as a dominant force in the middle, leading the group in defensive stop rate - a key stat that highlights his ability to blow up running plays and control the line of scrimmage.
As a true nose tackle, Davis is the anchor of Philly’s defensive front. He doesn’t flash the same pass-rush numbers as the others, but his presence changes how offenses scheme.
Then there’s Moro Ojomo, who quietly took a major step forward. He not only out-snapped Carter this past season but also delivered better pressure and stop rates. Ojomo’s production was steady and disruptive - the kind of year that gets coaches and front offices talking about long-term roles.
Jalen Carter, the former top pick and once presumed cornerstone of the Eagles’ defensive line, finds himself in a more complicated spot. A year ago, the idea of Carter being the odd man out would’ve been unthinkable.
But while his raw talent and pass-rushing upside are undeniable, his 2025 production didn’t match the other two. Still, his draft pedigree and flashes of dominance keep his market value high.
The Numbers Game
Here’s where things get interesting. Current projections peg Carter’s annual value around $25 million - in the same ballpark as Leonard Williams’ 2020 deal.
Ojomo comes in at roughly $21.25 million, comparable to deals signed by Vita Vea and Grover Stewart. Davis, despite his breakout, is estimated around $16 million per year, similar to Dalvin Tomlinson’s 2021 extension.
Davis has already been eligible for an extension, but Roseman held off last offseason, opting instead to pick up his fifth-year option. After Davis’ 2025 campaign, that decision might be revisited. He’s now a prime candidate for a long-term deal.
Carter, on the other hand, has two years of team control left if the Eagles pick up his fifth-year option - a move that would cost just over $23.6 million total. That’s a manageable figure for a player with his ceiling.
But if the Eagles decide not to invest long-term, Carter could be a valuable trade chip. Given his potential and contract situation, he might fetch a first-round pick.
Ojomo is a different case. With only one year left on his rookie deal, the Eagles would need to act fast if they want to keep him. His trade value isn’t quite as high as Carter’s - likely a second-rounder at best - but his on-field impact and trajectory make him a strong candidate for an extension.
A League Trend Worth Watching
This isn’t just a Philly problem - it’s part of a broader trend across the NFL. Dominant four-man fronts are back in style.
Of the eight teams that reached the divisional round this postseason, half - including the Texans, Rams, Broncos, and Seahawks - relied heavily on disruptive defensive lines to power their playoff runs. The Eagles were ahead of that curve last year, and other teams are following suit.
That context makes the decision even more critical. Roseman has to weigh not only production and contract value but also how each player fits into the long-term identity of the defense.
What Comes Next
The Eagles have built their success on smart roster management and timely extensions. That approach has never been more important than it is right now. With three talented defensive tackles, limited cap space, and a league that’s increasingly valuing dominant defensive fronts, the Eagles are at a crossroads.
Jordan Davis feels like the safest bet - a foundational piece against the run who just had his breakout moment. Ojomo offers versatility and production that’s tough to ignore.
Carter? He’s still the wild card.
The upside is there, but so is the trade value.
Whatever direction Roseman chooses, it’s going to shape the Eagles’ defense - and perhaps their entire identity - for years to come.