Eagles' Jalen Carter faces big roadblock in potential contract extension

Under general manager Howie Roseman, the Philadelphia Eagles have usually paid their players earlier to secure cheaper deals.

So, the fact that they're still beating around the bush with Jalen Carter is somewhat telling. The former Georgia star is eligible for an extension, and he's certainly shown the potential to be worth top dollar. However, there are also major concerns about work ethic and character.

Also, with Jeffery Simmons recently resetting the market for defensive tackles, his camp's asking price may have gone up. According to Eagles insider Jimmy Kempski, that might be holding up the deal. 

Jalen Carter may have to lower his financial demands

“In my opinion, he does not deserve to be paid more than Jeffery Simmons,” Kempski wrote. “Simmons is the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL, and he is deserving of that deal. If Carter and his representation think they should be paid more than Simmons, then a deal probably won’t get done, in my opinion.”

Of course, Carter is younger, and one can make a case that he can turn out to be as good as Simmons — if not better. 

Then again, the Eagles, who took a chance on him when the rest of the NFL seemed willing to look the other way, have also watched his development firsthand. And they would've jumped the gun to sign him if they thought he was worth that type of cash.

Carter is a very good player who may have a robust trade market if the Eagles were to make him available. For now, it looks like he will either have to lower his financial expectations or the Eagles might be playing the waiting game to see what type of attitude he brings to training camp and the preseason if he doesn't get a new deal.