Jalen Carter has rapidly become one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive tackles since entering the league in 2023. A key player for the Philadelphia Eagles, Carter’s combination of size, athleticism, and relentless drive has solidified his reputation as a game-changer.
This article dives into his personal life, career journey, financial standing, and career stats, offering a comprehensive look at the rising star.
Jalen Carter’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jalen Da’Quan Carter |
| Born | April 4, 2001 (Apopka, Florida) |
| Age | 23 years old |
| Height/Weight | 6’3”, 314 lbs |
| Nationality | American |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| NFL Draft | 2023, Round 1 (9th overall pick, Philadelphia Eagles) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $7 million |
| Salary (2024) | $1.74 million (base + bonuses) |
| Relationship | Single; no public details about a girlfriend or children |
| Not publicly active; keeps personal life private |
Early Career
Jalen Carter grew up in Apopka, Florida, where he attended Apopka High School. A multi-sport athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and weightlifting. On the gridiron, Carter played defensive tackle, tight end, and even punter, showcasing his versatility.
His senior year stats included 64 tackles, 12 sacks, and a state championship appearance, earning him a five-star recruit rating.Carter committed to the University of Georgia, where he became a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ defense.
Over three seasons (2020–2022), he recorded 83 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks. His dominance helped Georgia secure back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championships in 2021 and 2022.
Carter’s standout 2022 season earned him unanimous All-American honors and made him a top NFL prospect.
Professional Career
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Carter with the 9th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite off-field controversies—including a misdemeanor reckless driving charge tied to a fatal accident in Georgia—Carter quickly proved his worth on the field.
- 2023 Rookie Season: Carter started one game but made an immediate impact, recording 33 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
- 2024 Breakout Year: As a full-time starter, Carter tallied 42 tackles, 5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, anchoring the Eagles’ defensive line and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
Jalen Carter’s Net Worth Details
Jalen Carter’s net worth is estimated to be $7 million as of 2025. This reflects his NFL earnings, endorsements, and investments since being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
Contract and Salary Details
Jalen Carter, a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a four-year rookie contract in 2023 after being drafted ninth overall. Below are the details of his contract and salary:
Contract
- Duration: 4 years (2023–2026)
- Total Value: $21,806,014 (fully guaranteed)
- Signing Bonus: $12,858,919
- Average Annual Salary: $5,451,504
- Free Agent Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in 2027, with a fifth-year option available for 2027.
Salary Breakdown
| Year | Base Salary | Roster Bonus | Cap Hit | Dead Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $750,000 | – | $3,964,730 | $21,806,014 |
| 2024 | $915,000 | $826,190 | $4,955,920 | $17,841,284 |
| 2025 | $1,030,000 | $1,702,380 | $5,947,110 | $12,885,372 |
| 2026 | $1,145,000 | $2,578,570 | $6,938,300 | $6,938,277 |
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Philadelphia | $13.61 million |
| 2024 | Philadelphia | $1.74 million |
| 2025 | Philadelphia | $2.73 million |
| 2026 | Philadelphia | $3.72 million |
| Total | $21.8 million |
Endorsements
Carter has partnered with brands like NASCAR Quaker State 400 and Sports Addiction. While exact figures aren’t public, these deals significantly boost his income.
Career Stats
College Stats (Georgia Bulldogs)
| Year | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 37 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | 13 | 32 | 3 | 2 |
NFL Stats (Philadelphia Eagles)
| Year | Games | Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 16 | 33 | 6 | 2 |
| 2024 | 16 | 42 | 5 | 2 |
Carter’s explosive first step, strength, and ability to disrupt plays have drawn comparisons to NFL legends like Fletcher Cox.
FAQs
1. What were Jalen Carter’s college achievements?
Jalen Carter played defensive tackle at Georgia (2020–2022), winning back-to-back national championships. He earned Unanimous First-Team All-American (2022), First-Team All-SEC (2022), and Second-Team All-SEC (2021) honors. He recorded 83 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks in 38 career games.
2. Why did Jalen Carter fall to No. 9 in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Carter’s draft stock dipped due to off-field concerns, including a misdemeanor reckless driving charge linked to a fatal January 2023 car crash. Despite being projected as a top-three pick, teams questioned his character and conditioning, leading the Eagles to select him at No. 9 after a trade.
3. What are Jalen Carter’s NFL career stats?
In two seasons (2023–2024), Carter has 75 combined tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery touchdown. His 2024 season included a Pro Bowl nod, 42 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks.
4. How has Jalen Carter impacted the Eagles’ defense?
Carter anchors Philadelphia’s defensive line with his explosive power and agility. In 2024, he ranked among the NFL’s top interior linemen in pressures (53) and tackles for loss (12), earning praise as a “generational talent” and key disruptor in both run defense and pass-rush situations.
5. What off-field issues has Jalen Carter faced?
Carter faced legal scrutiny after a January 2023 car accident that killed a Georgia teammate and staffer. He pleaded no contest to reckless driving, receiving probation, fines, and community service. Teams also questioned his maturity and work ethic during pre-draft evaluations.
6. Where did Jalen Carter play high school football?
Carter attended Apopka High School (Florida), where he was a five-star recruit and top-10 national prospect. He played defensive tackle, tight end, and punter, tallying 64 tackles and 12 sacks as a senior while leading his team to a state championship game.
7. Did Jalen Carter play other sports professionally?
No, but Carter was a standout basketball player in high school. He dominated AAU leagues, drew comparisons to Zion Williamson, and went viral for windmill dunks. Scouts believed he could have played Division I basketball but chose football.
8. How did Jalen Carter perform in Super Bowl LIX?
Carter recorded 2 tackles and a sack in Super Bowl LIX, helping the Eagles defeat the Chiefs 27–24. Despite battling flu-like symptoms days before the game, he pressured Patrick Mahomes consistently, solidifying his reputation as a rising defensive star.
9. What is Jalen Carter’s playing style?
Carter combines raw power (94 strength rating in Madden NFL 25) with rare agility for his size. His bull-rush and swim moves overwhelm blockers, while his 42-yard fumble return TD in 2023 showcased surprising speed. Coaches compare his dominance to Eagles legend Fletcher Cox.
10. What awards has Jalen Carter won in the NFL?
Carter was named to the 2024 Pro Bowl and PFWA All-Rookie Team (2023). He finished second in 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year voting and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2024. Analysts predict future Defensive Player of the Year contention.
