Eagles Decline Trade for Myles Garrett, Prioritize Jalen Carter

In a significant move on Monday, the Cleveland Browns traded defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to the trade, Mary Kay Cabot from the Cleveland Plain Dealer highlighted the Rams, Cowboys, and Eagles as potential suitors for Garrett's services.

Reports suggest that the Browns were keen on acquiring defensive tackle Jalen Carter from the Eagles, but Philadelphia showed no willingness to part with him. Instead, the Eagles proposed other players, including Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, as trade options. This reluctance to trade Carter raises questions, particularly since he has yet to secure a second contract with the team.

Earlier this year, after the Eagles signed defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a new contract, it was revealed that the team had received inquiries about Carter, a common tactic to increase leverage in negotiations. A key consideration for the Eagles is Carter's fifth-year option, which carries a hefty price tag of $27.1 million for 2027. Consequently, he may be seeking a new contract with an average annual value exceeding $30 million.

In contrast, Carter is set to earn just $3.723 million in the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. Given these circumstances, he may choose to avoid practice until a new contract is in place. The Eagles’ decision not to include him in the trade for Garrett only seems to bolster Carter's determination to secure a favorable deal.