PHILADELPHIA − As expected, the Eagles didn't address the defense in the NFL draft until they used all three of their seventh-round picks on them. At that point in the draft, it's not guaranteed that they would even make the 53-man roster.
That doesn't mean the Eagles didn't address the defense. In fact, they made a major trade on April 24 by acquiring edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, one season removed from having his second straight 12-sack season.
On April 27, the Eagles picked up the fifth-year option for two of their defensive linemen in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith. As first-round picks in 2023 − Carter at No. 9 overall and Smith at No. 30 − the Eagles and every NFL team had until May 1 to pick up the option for first rounders.
If the Eagles were to decline the option, both players would have become free agents after this season. By picking up the option, Carter is expected to make about $27 million in 2027, Smith $14 million. The salary is determined by a formula that includes when the player was drafted, Pro Bowl and All Pro honors.
Carter has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and named an All Pro once. The Eagles have said they want to sign Carter to an extension. The jury is still out on Smith, who had 3 sacks last season while dealing with a triceps injury.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell with Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell after he is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 31 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field.Quinyon Mitchell poses with fans after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 22 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
Jalen Carter poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Georgia defensive end Nolan Smith after being selected by the Philadelphia Eagles 30th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station.
Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis after being selected as the 13th overall pick to the Philadelphia Eagles during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft at the NFL Draft Theater.
DeVonta Smith (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected 10th overall by Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor is pursued by Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie on a kickoff return at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on Oct. 24, 2021. Reagor was taken 21st overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Andre Dillard stands with his jersey after being selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft in Downtown Nashville.
Derek Barnett was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017.
Carson Wentz with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the second pick overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor runs drills at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia on May 24, 2016. Agholor was the 20th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Marcus Smith was the 26th pick overall in 2014 NFL Draft.
Lane Johnson is introduced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as the 4th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall.
Philadelphia Eagles first round draft pick Fletcher Cox addresses the media as head coach Andy Reid listens during a press conference at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Complex. Cox was the 12th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles first round draft pick Brandon Graham catches a ball during training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Aug. 4, 2010. Graham was the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin practices during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia. Maclin was the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft.