The NFL has seen several notable holdouts and hold-ins during the 2026 offseason. After trading away A.J. Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles now have another contract situation brewing—this time involving one of the cornerstones of their defense.
Reports indicate that Jalen Carter has officially begun a hold-in as he seeks a long-term contract extension from the Eagles. After skipping voluntary workouts, Carter attended mandatory minicamp but did not participate in team drills. Instead, he has adopted the increasingly common hold-in strategy while his representatives work to negotiate a new deal.
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The Eagles do not appear overly concerned about Carter’s approach, especially defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Speaking with reporters, Fangio said Carter has looked good in the work he has been able to do. Most of that participation has been limited to weightlifting and conditioning activities.
Dec 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) reacts to winning a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Carter remains one of the most physically gifted players in the NFL. Many evaluators even labeled him a generational prospect entering the 2023 NFL Draft. However, concerns about his off-field issues—not his on-field ability—prevented him from being selected in the top five.
Despite those concerns, Carter still went in the top 10 and has more than justified the selection. He has become a dominant force along Philadelphia’s defensive interior.
However, his professional career has included a few notable incidents between plays. Last season, officials ejected him before a snap from scrimmage after he spit on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
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Carter is also dealing with a reported shoulder concern. While Fangio praised his work in the weight room, questions remain about how offseason procedures could affect him moving forward.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Eagles have reasons to proceed carefully despite Carter’s immense talent. The organization already made a significant investment along the defensive interior this offseason, signing Carter’s former college teammate Jordan Davis to a long-term extension in early March.
There is still plenty of time before the start of the regular season. Carter remains under team control through the 2027 season after the Eagles exercised his fifth-year option. The question now is whether Philadelphia will get ahead of the 2027 offseason and hand out another massive contract to a former Georgia Bulldog.