Eagles quietly facing massive contract decisions on these key players

This offseason for the Philadelphia Eagles has been all about retaining the best players on the team long term.

They focused on guys like Cam Jurgens, Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, and Zack Baun. Despite other top players like Milton Williams, Darius Slay, CJ Gardner-Johnson, and James Bradberry being shown the door, Philadelphia is staying strong on saving up for the young upcoming players on the roster.

On Wednesday, the Eagles took care of one of those young players for at least one extra year. According to FOX Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the team picked up defensive tackle Jordan Davis' fifth-year option in 2026. Davis will be guaranteed $12.9 million for the 2026 season.

While Davis will be in line for a significant contract extension, other Eagles on the roster are looking at their fifth-year options to be picked up or are in line for a big contract extension. Who is next to collect?

The next four Eagles who could be in line for contract extensions

Worth mentioning: Jalen Carter, DT

Another defensive tackle could be up for a fifth-year option to be picked up after the 2025 season. Jalen Carter could easily be following in the foot steps of Davis, especially since Carter has put together a stronger resume through two seasons.

Carter was second in the voting for defensive rookie of the year in 2023 and took another step forward by being named a Pro Bowler and selected as a second-team All-Pro last year. In 16 games last season, he racked up 42 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

At the rate Carter is going, it is a no-brainer that the Eagles should pick up Carter's fifth-year option and prepare to make him one of the highest-paid defensive linemen in NFL history. To lock him in on a long-term contract, Carter would be worth every dime.

Nakobe Dean, LB

Nakobe Dean still has plenty to prove, but his first full season as a starter alongside Zack Baun was masterfully done. After playing just five games in 2023 due to a foot injury, he made 15 starts but suffered an unfortunate torn patellar tendon in the Wild Card game against the Green Bay Packers that cost him the playoffs.

The former third-round pick out of Georgia made 128 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, four pass deflections, three sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and one interception in 2024. Dean was in the running for Comeback Player of the Year as he did receive votes.

This is an all-important season for Dean, as he has to prove he can bounce back from his injury and play a full season. He showed last season that he can be one of the best, so as long as he stays healthy, a new contract with more money could be heading his way.

Reed Blankenship, S

Another guy is in a contract year and is a solid contributor on the defensive side of the ball. Reed Blankenship has risen to the occasion over the last two years to become a pleasant surprise.

The undrafted rookie out of Middle Tennessee State has made 225 career tackles while adding eight interceptions in 40 games. His playing time has significantly increased since 2023, starting 30 games and nabbing seven interceptions.

Reed has one more season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026. He will be 27 when the season begins and someone that the Eagles should look to bring back as he won't reach quite the level of the top safeties in pay, but should be paid at least like a top-five defensive back would.

Braden Mann, P

There's a lot of talk about the defensive players, but don't forget about the impact of special teams. Punter Braden Mann has been a massive improvement for the Eagles since he joined the team in 2023 to replace Arryn Siposs.

Mann was fourth in the NFL in net punt yards average (43.8) in 2023, but took a dip last year with a 41.9 net average which was still good for 11th. He has been able to maintain a steady consistency of performance in the punting game.

Mann's last year under contract with Philadelphia will be 2025 after signing an extension last offseason. Mann will be 27 when the new season begins and appears to be still a solid performer, which the Eagles need in terms of consistency. It wouldn't be a heavy cost to bring him back, and if he earns it in 2025, Mann could see a long-term contract.