RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
The Philadelphia Eagles are less than a week away from the start of training camp. We’ve been counting down the 25 most important Eagles for the 2026 season.
25. Marcus Epps
24. Jake Elliott
23. Eli Stowers
22. Dontayvion Wicks
21. Moro Ojomo
20. Nolan Smith
19. Dallas Goedert
18. Jihaad Campbell
17. Zack Baun
16. Jalyx Hunt
15. Jordan Mailata
14. Jordan Davis
13. Riq Woolen
12. Drew Mukuba
11. Jonathan Greenard
10. Cam Jurgens
9. Makai Lemon
8. Quinyon Mitchell
7. Cooper DeJean
6. Saquon Barkley
5. Landon Dickerson
4. Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter faces a potentially career-altering year, making him one of the most important Eagles entering the 2026 season. Some would even argue he should be higher on this list.
Carter, one of the best young defensive players in the NFL, is in the midst of a major contract situation seemingly at an impasse.
Carter is now eligible for his second contract. And yet, the Eagles’ front office has reportedly been “hesitant” to pay the two-time Pro Bowler and 2024 All-Pro. That much has been clear.
The Eagles usually prioritize contract extensions for their young stars as early as possible. Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens are recent examples.
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Carter and his superagent, Drew Rosenhaus, were thought to be looking for a market-setting extension — something that surpassed Chiefs star Chris Jones, who currently makes the most of any defensive tackle ($31.75 million average annual value, $95 million guaranteed).
But the Eagles haven’t given him that. At least not yet. Carter skipped voluntary workouts and did not participate in team drills during mandatory minicamp. When asked, Nick Sirianni didn’t say whether it was a “hold-in” situation or not. But that appeared to be the case.
The Eagles have a right to be a little hesitant to commit such a massive contract to Carter.
After an All-Rookie debut in 2023 and a dominant run to Super Bowl LIX in 2024, the former first-round pick had a relatively disappointing season in 2025. He was still named to the Pro Bowl. But Carter was limited by shoulder problems and played in only 11 of 18 games.
All of this contract talk could change at any moment. Carter could sign a lucrative deal on the doorstep of training camp. Or the Eagles could wait and see if he stays healthy and returns to dominance in 2026.
Carter is obviously an integral player for the Eagles. He’s a game-wrecker in every sense of the term. But whether or not Carter lives up to that on a week in, week out basis in 2026 could determine his long-term future in Philadelphia — making it quite an important season.
Eagles News
LeBron James’ new 76ers jersey flying off shelves after signing: How to get yours Jul. 24, 2026, 2:53p.m.
Saquon Barkley reacts to LeBron James joining 76ers: ‘Welcome to the city’ Jul. 24, 2026, 1:21p.m.
This Eagles All-Pro almost retired. His return means everything in 2026 Jul. 24, 2026, 6:00a.m.
Why Eagles fans should believe Saquon Barkley will return to his explosive form in 2026 Jul. 23, 2026, 6:00a.m.
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