Now, there is speculation surrounding what a trade could actually cost.
FOX Sports speculated that a deal might cost a 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick to the Eagles in return for Carter.
If the deal happens, it won't feel like it's out of the blue. The 49ers have always invested in the defensive line.
However, if the deal happens, it would give the Eagles a huge stack of draft picks to work with. They just landed a 2028 first-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder in the A.J. Brown deal. Still, the Eagles won't give up on Carter easily, as he showed great potential.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Carter out of Georgia in 2023 with the No. 9 overall pick. Since then, he has earned two Pro Bowl nods and an All-Pro second-team spot. More importantly, he played a major role in the team's Super Bowl run during the 2024 season.
But Carter's contract complicates the situation, as the 25-year-old defensive star is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Carter signed a four-year, fully guaranteed $21.8 million deal with the Eagles in 2023. He earns an annual salary of $5,451,504 and carries a cap hit of $6,938,300 for 2026. The Eagles already exercised their fifth-year option, which guarantees him $27 million.
But soon they must work out one of the biggest contracts for a defensive player in team history.
The team is reportedly cautious about a huge long-term deal because of Carter's shoulder injuries. It is also believed they may have worries about his character. If the Eagles do not extend Carter, he becomes an obvious trade candidate.
That said, the Birds are still not considering a move. In early June, SI on Eagles' Jeff Kerr reported Philadelphia declined an opportunity to trade Carter in a package that would have sent Myles Garrett to the Eagles.
With that in mind, a trade involving the defensive tackle seems rather unlikely. However, things can change in the coming weeks.
Written By:
Nilesh Kumar is an NFL writer and sports journalist specializing in the San Francisco 49ers, the NFL, and college football. He covers breaking news, player analysis, trade rumors, roster moves, and feature stories. Nilesh Kumar's work has been published by Sports Illustrated, Heavy Sports, 49ers Webzone, VAVEL, and other sports publications. He provides timely, in-depth football coverage for readers around the world.
All articles by Nilesh Kumar
@NileshKuma2z
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Nilesh Kumar
Nilesh Kumar is an NFL writer and sports journalist specializing in the San Francisco 49ers, the NFL, and college football. He covers breaking news, player analysis, trade rumors, roster moves, and feature stories. Nilesh Kumar's work has been published by Sports Illustrated, Heavy Sports, 49ers Webzone, VAVEL, and other sports publications. He provides timely, in-depth football coverage for readers around the world.
All articles by Nilesh Kumar
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