Eagles DT Jalen Carter details his offseason plan to be better in Year 2

Carter logged 33 total tackles, six sacks, and 47 QB pressures through 16 games during his rookie season. 

While he was overall pleased with his first NFL season, Carter knows there's still a lot of work to be done. 

“My first year was OK,” Carter said. “It wasn’t how I wanted it to end. A lot of stuff that I seen on film is stuff I need to fix. It’s OK. We here now and I’m ready to be better than last year.”

Carter on Tap to Replace Fletcher Cox

With Fletcher Cox enjoying retirement, Carter will take on a much larger role in 2024, according to new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. 

 "I think he’s talented enough that no matter what we do with him, we’ll be maximizing him," Fangio said when asked how he plans to maximize Carter's talents in his defense. "He’s got to get in great shape, which I think he’s off to a great start here, so we can play him a lot." 

Carter won't be the only one expected to replace Cox's production. 

Third-year defensive tackle Jordan Davis will need to step up as well.

"Same thing [as Carter]," Fangio said of Davis. "He’s heading into his third year. I think he’s off to a good start this offseason. I don’t have anything to compare it to, not having been here his first two years. But I think he’s working good. I think he’s rounding into good shape. It’s up to us to give him the opportunity and platform to get in good shape, and then rely on him when he leaves here and that dead time between the offseason and camp. From what I’ve seen so far, very encouraging."

The Eagles have a very young defensive tackle room, with nobody over the age of 25.  That means Carter and Davis will not only need to take over Cox's production but also his leadership presence. 

The good news is that Cox, despite being retired, has been sticking around to help them make that transition. 

“I know Fletch is still going to stick around,” Carter said. “He’s going to come talk to us anytime we need something, even if he’s not here. If I need to text him or call him, I know he’s going to answer.”