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Behind closed doors: The Eagles’ coordinator just exposed a harsh reality about their All-Pro DT

Posted on June 8, 2025 - 3:57 pm by

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is on a trajectory to become one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history. Fresh off a standout 2024 season, where he earned his first NFL All-Pro nod and solidified his status as the best defensive player on a Super Bowl-winning team, Carter’s potential seems limitless. However, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recently revealed a sobering perspective: despite Carter’s dominance, he still has significant room for growth.

“The good news about Jalen is twofold,” Fangio said on June 3. “One, he played very well for us last year, and two, he can still improve a lot.” This assessment, while optimistic, underscores a harsh reality: Carter’s current success is largely built on raw talent, and he has yet to fully master the nuances of his position.

A Scary Thought for Opponents

Carter’s 2024 performance was nothing short of remarkable. In 16 regular-season games, he recorded 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, 6 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. His impact was pivotal in the Eagles’ commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, where Philadelphia led 34-0 at one point. Yet, the consensus among coaches and teammates is that Carter is only scratching the surface of his potential.

Former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter echoed this sentiment on Philadelphia’s SportsRadio 94 WIP: “Nothing he’s doing surprises me. Word is on the street, he doesn’t even know how to play the position yet. From guys I talk to inside, he’s just playing off of raw talent. The sky is the limit for this kid, I’m excited about his future.” The idea that Carter, already a dominant force, is still developing is a daunting prospect for opposing offenses.

Carter’s Ambitious Goals

Carter himself is acutely aware of the heights he aims to reach. He compares himself to elite interior defensive linemen like Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones and New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence. Jones, the NFL’s highest-paid interior defensive lineman, signed a 5-year, $156.75 million contract extension in March 2024, with $90 million guaranteed. A 3-time Super Bowl champion, 6-time All-Pro, and 6-time Pro Bowler, Jones represents the gold standard at the position. Carter, however, believes he can close the gap.

“I wanted to be the best at what I do, try to be the best,” Carter told Pro Football Talk. “I’m not there yet. I still got a lot of people in front of me that’s obviously been in the league a couple [more] years, got years of experience on me. But I’m just going to keep grinding every day.” Carter credits his teammates’ support and his own dedication to refining his skills as key to his ascent.

From No. 1 Prospect to Eagles’ Steal

Carter’s journey to NFL stardom began at the University of Georgia, where he was a cornerstone of teams that won consecutive College Football Playoff national championships in 2021 and 2022. In 2022, he earned unanimous All-American honors and was widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, a serious off-field incident caused his draft stock to plummet, allowing the Eagles to select him at No. 9 overall with a 4-year, $21.8 million contract. For context, the No. 1 pick in 2023, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, signed a 4-year, $37.95 million deal.

A Mega-Contract on the Horizon?

As Carter continues to develop, his next contract could redefine the market for defensive tackles. With Jones’ deal setting a benchmark at $90 million guaranteed, it’s reasonable to project that Carter’s future contract could surpass $100 million in guaranteed money. His combination of youth, production, and untapped potential makes him a prime candidate to reset the market.

For now, Carter remains focused on growth, both individually and with his teammates. Under Fangio’s guidance, the Eagles are poised to refine his raw talent into technical mastery, potentially creating one of the most dominant defensive players the NFL has ever seen. The harsh reality is that Carter’s best is yet to come—and that’s a warning to the rest of the league.