The Eagles were back in the building on Wednesday and ahead of the team’s first training camp practice of the year, GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni spoke to reporters about Jalen Carter’s new contract extension.
Roseman acknowledged that they typically like to get their deals done in March or April, but re-signing Carter — along with Jordan Davis — was always a priority and the DT market was in a bit of a transition with guys like Dexter Lawrence and Jeffery Simmons getting new deals.
Both sides were kind of waiting to see where the market would land, but they were eager and excited to get something done before camp started.
The GM said that it’s increasingly difficult to find talented defensive lineman ready to play Day 1 in college, and they felt like their DT room was really strong and wanted to keep it together. He also groused at any indication that the team had concerns about Carter’s off-field behavior, saying that the DT has had no issues since coming to Philly several years ago.
ROSEMAN: “I don’t know what off-field concerns since Jalen [Carter]‘s been here. He’s put his head down, he’s worked hard. He’s made huge impactful plays for this organization, for this team.
Last year, he wasn’t 100 percent. He was trying to fight through that, and play through that. We understand that. Like anyone, when you’re 25 years old, you’re still growing as a person and a player.“
Sirianni expressed his excitement for Carter and his family, pointing out how hard the DT has worked to get to this moment.
SIRIANNI: “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Jalen [Carter], and more-and-more each year. And the time that I’ve spent with him, he’s put his head down, he’s worked, he’s made impactful plays, and we look for that to continue. And he’s a heck of a football player that demands a lot of attention by the opposing offense, so to be able to have him locked up and we know what that creates for opposing offenses.”
The head coach admitted that he’s happy that the new contract got done and isn’t something that they need to have lingering into training camp. He also gave a lot of credit to Carter for staying focused throughout the process.
SIRIANNI: “I give [Jalen Carter] a lot of credit. He’s focused so much on football, he came back in phenomenal shape — with his weight, with his conditioning test. So even with that contract still looming, he worked his ass off, and I’m proud of him for that. And it shows you the type of guy he is, and he’ll continue to be, and excited for him to play ball.”
Sirianni also said he isn’t worried that off-field issues will arise moving forward now that Carter earned the big-money deal. He explained that the team brings in players who fit their locker room culture, and he has yet to see someone earn a new contract and change their habits and approach to the game.
