Jordan Davis Steps Up Big for Eagles - And Now Philly Needs to Step Up for Him
The Philadelphia Eagles locked up the NFC East and secured a home playoff game with a convincing win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday - but the bigger story might be what that game revealed about the future of their defensive core. Specifically, Jordan Davis.
With Jalen Carter sidelined for a third straight week due to a shoulder injury, the spotlight shifted directly onto Davis. And the former Georgia Bulldog didn’t just rise to the occasion - he bulldozed right through it.
Davis posted two quarterback hurries and two tackles for loss, per Pro Football Focus, but the numbers only tell part of the story. Watch the tape, and you’ll see a 340-pound lineman chasing down the quarterback to the sideline one play, then blowing up a run at the line of scrimmage the next.
It was a performance that screamed, pay me - and it’s hard to argue.
The Eagles’ defense, under Vic Fangio, hinges on the inside disruption created by Davis and Carter. They’re not just stuffing the stat sheet - they’re setting the tone.
Whether it’s collapsing the pocket or forcing backs to bounce outside into the arms of waiting linebackers, this duo is the engine that drives Philly’s front. And Saturday was a clear reminder: when one’s out, the other can still dominate.
But here’s the catch - Davis is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, playing on his fifth-year option. That means the Eagles have a ticking clock if they want to keep this interior wrecking crew together long-term.
The Clock Is Ticking on a Jordan Davis Extension
Davis is slated to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Carter?
Just a year later. That puts Eagles GM Howie Roseman in a familiar spot - trying to keep elite talent in town while managing a salary cap that never seems to stretch quite far enough.
Roseman’s built a reputation as one of the best in the business when it comes to cap gymnastics, but this is going to be a real test.
The longer the Eagles wait, the more expensive Davis is going to become. That’s not just speculation - it’s the reality of today’s defensive tackle market.
Just look at what the Ravens shelled out recently: Travis Jones landed a three-year, $40.5 million deal, and Nnamdi Madubuike inked a four-year, $98 million contract. Davis, with his blend of size, athleticism, and scheme versatility, is likely to command something in between - think somewhere in the $50-60 million range over three years.
And if Saturday's showing is any indication, that number might only keep climbing.
Why Davis Matters So Much Right Now
What makes Davis’ rise even more crucial is the timing. Philly’s offense has been inconsistent.
Special teams have had their ups and downs. But the defense - particularly the interior - has remained a steady force.
With Carter out, Davis didn’t just hold the line; he owned it. That kind of presence in December, with playoff football on the horizon, is invaluable.
Davis has always had the tools - the raw power, the footwork, the motor. But now, he’s putting it all together in high-leverage moments.
He’s not just a run-stuffer anymore. He’s disrupting passing lanes, forcing quarterbacks off their spot, and anchoring a defense that leans on its front to create chaos.
What Comes Next
If the Eagles want to keep this defensive identity intact, extending Davis has to be a top priority. Waiting until he hits the open market in 2026 would be a risky move - not just because of the rising price tag, but because players like Davis don’t come around often. He’s a rare blend of size and explosiveness, the kind of player who can wreck a game plan without even recording a sack.
For a franchise that’s built through the trenches and prides itself on defensive toughness, letting Davis walk would be a step backward. The Eagles have a chance to lock in one of the league’s most promising young defensive tackles before the rest of the league comes calling - and if they’re smart, they won’t wait.
Bottom line: Davis made his case on the field. Now it’s Philly’s turn to make theirs at the negotiating table.