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Eagles DC’s explosive statement on All-Pro DT sends shockwaves through the NFL – here’s why

Posted on June 8, 2025 - 4:00 pm by

Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter is on a trajectory to become one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history, and his defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, just dropped a bombshell that has the league buzzing. Despite Carter’s 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, Fangio believes the 24-year-old has yet to reach his full potential.

“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 statement is a chilling prospect for opposing offenses, as Carter’s dominance in his second NFL season was already a force to be reckoned with.

A Scary Talent Still Developing

Carter’s 2024 performance was nothing short of spectacular. In 16 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 undeniable in the Eagles’ commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on February 9, where Philadelphia surged to a 34-0 lead at one point. Yet, the consensus among those close to the team is that Carter is only scratching the surface of his abilities.

Former Eagles linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, speaking on Philadelphia’s SportsRadio 94 WIP, echoed Fangio’s sentiments. “Nothing he’s doing surprises me,” Trotter said. “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 learning the nuances of his position is a terrifying thought for the rest of the NFL.

Carter’s Ambitious Goals

Carter himself is well aware of the heights he aims to reach. He openly compared himself to elite interior defensive linemen like Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones and New York Giants’ Dexter Lawrence. Jones, the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackle, signed a 5-year, $158.75 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 sets the benchmark Carter is chasing.

“I want 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. Not just me by myself working on specific things to get better, just being around the team having the guys support me also makes me also be one of the best in the league.”

With Carter’s current 4-year, $21.8 million rookie contract—signed after being selected No. 9 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft—nearing its midpoint, speculation is already swirling about his next deal. Given Jones’ $90 million in guaranteed money, it’s reasonable to project Carter’s future contract could push past $100 million in guarantees, a figure that would cement his place among the NFL’s elite.

From No. 1 Prospect to Eagles’ Steal

Carter’s journey to this point is remarkable. At the University of Georgia, he was the standout player on teams that won back-to-back College Football Playoff national championships in 2021 and 2022, earning unanimous All-American honors in 2022. Widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter’s stock took a hit due to a serious off-field incident, allowing the Eagles to snag him at No. 9. For context, the No. 1 pick that year, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, signed a 4-year, $37.95 million deal.

The Eagles’ gamble has paid off handsomely, and Carter’s rapid ascent has validated their decision. Under Fangio’s guidance, he’s blossoming into a game-wrecker, and the defensive coordinator’s recent comments only amplify the excitement surrounding his future.

Why This Matters

Fangio’s statement isn’t just coach-speak—it’s a warning to the NFL. If Carter, already an All-Pro and Super Bowl standout, is still far from his ceiling, the league could be witnessing the rise of a generational talent. As he continues to refine his skills and learn the intricacies of his position, Carter’s path to becoming the NFL’s next dominant defensive force—and one of its highest-paid stars—seems all but inevitable. For Eagles fans, it’s a thrilling prospect. For the rest of the NFL, it’s a reason to lose sleep.