Should the Eagles exercise their fifth-year options for Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith? The Philadelphia Eagles have a decision to make regarding two players eligible for fifth-year options: DT Jalen Carter and EDGE Nolan Smith, both drafted in the 2023 first round. The deadline to decide is May 1, so let's delve into the details. The fifth-year option allows teams to extend players' contracts for an additional year, typically at a higher salary. For Carter and Smith, this means their 2027 season would be covered by the option. Players drafted in the first round are eligible for this option after their third year in the league.
Let's break down the tiers and projected salaries for Carter and Smith, as outlined by OverTheCap. Tier 1 (Basic): Players who don't meet specific criteria are eligible for a base salary calculated from the average of the 3rd to 25th highest salaries at their position over the past five seasons. Tier 2 (Playtime): Players who meet specific snap count criteria over their first three seasons are eligible for a higher base salary. Tier 3 (One Pro Bowl): Players who are named to exactly one Pro Bowl are eligible for a transition tender salary. Tier 4 (Multiple Pro Bowls): Players with two or three Pro Bowl selections are eligible for a franchise tender salary.
Jalen Carter: Carter qualifies for Tier 3, as he has made one Pro Bowl. His projected salary for the fifth-year option is $21.6 million. Nolan Smith: Smith, on the other hand, is in Tier 1, as he hasn't made a Pro Bowl or met playtime benchmarks. His projected salary is $15.4 million. The Eagles' history with fifth-year options: Since the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Eagles have exercised this option a few times, including for Jordan Davis and DeVonta Smith. They've declined options for players like Jahan Dotson and Andre Dillard, and traded Jalen Reagor and Kenny Pickett before making decisions on their options.
Jalen Carter: Carter is arguably the Eagles' most talented player, and a massive contract extension is likely. The Eagles could build his fifth-year option into a new deal. JimmyVerdict: If no extension is agreed by May 1, the Eagles should exercise Carter's option. Nolan Smith: Smith had a quiet rookie season but showed promise in 2024. The Eagles have other starting-caliber edge defenders, and Smith's potential is worth the investment. JimmyVerdict: The Eagles should exercise Smith's option, especially if they believe he can build on his 2024 performance. The decision ultimately depends on the team's financial situation and their belief in Smith's future success.
