The projected 5th year option cost on Carter is $27.2M (per Spotrac). It is higher for Carter compared to Davis because he was a 2nd team all pro in 2024. He is still only 24 years old (turns 25 in April). So … would you use the 5th year option on him?

I would, when he is focused he is a game wrecker. I would have to see that through and see if he matures. Waaay to much talent to just let go or I guess trade ... I have to see the return

Yes. Definitely. He will probably have a good year, after an injured 2025.

As long as he's healthy, and matures as a Professional Football player, then yes.

Absolutely yes

Before last year this wouldnt be a question and only reason he dropped off last year was both his shoulders required surgery mid season.

As long as his shoulders are right and its not a chronic injury then you re sign him.

Yes. It's the "Here's a taste of the big $, now prove you deserve a long term deal" strategy.

On 2/14/2026 at 11:14 AM, time2rock said:

The projected 5th year option cost on Carter is $27.2M (per Spotrac). It is higher for Carter compared to Davis because he was a 2nd team all pro in 2024. He is still only 24 years old (turns 25 in April). So … would you use the 5th year option on him?

Better yet, extend him. The guy is a unicorn. You don't let talent like his walk out the door, and you don't want to be faced with a situation where the team's back is against the wall. Sign him early.

1 hour ago, Procus said:

Better yet, extend him. The guy is a unicorn. You don't let talent like his walk out the door, and you don't want to be faced with a situation where the team's back is against the wall. Sign him early.

That's where I was going with this ... do you exercise the 5th year option and then start negotiating a new deal or do you just sign him to a new deal? That 5th year option is crazy high and would further inflate his eventual contract. I wasn't implying he isn't worth a new contract ... that's crazy.

15 hours ago, time2rock said:

That's where I was going with this ... do you exercise the 5th year option and then start negotiating a new deal or do you just sign him to a new deal? That 5th year option is crazy high and would further inflate his eventual contract. I wasn't implying he isn't worth a new contract ... that's crazy.

They'll probably do what they did with DeVonta...roll his 5th year option into a long term deal. Just hope that he doesn't disappoint and that his shoulders are ok.

Of course. It's a no-brainer, really.

I think Carter would be really hard to sign long term at the moment. His talent is immense, but with attitude and injury issues it might make sense to take the 5th year option then see how next year plays out.

The defense was not the same when he was out/playing injured this year. I worry about giving him a huge contract but he is one of the best young players at his position.

The 5th year is a no brainer.

Sign him early, as it'll just cost you more if you wait.

Honestly, between health and maturity concerns I'd trade him. He can be dominating, but he can vanish as well. Trading him saves a ton of cap space and would give them a haul of picks to rebuild multiple other positions quickly. Keep Davis and Oj and suddenly signing Coop and Q is a lot easier along with possibility signing a FA. Carter is a rare talent but the concerns are a package deal that will eat a ton of cap space.

Mannnn if they trade him, they will rue the day. Because in public, the talk would never end. I wouldn't trade Carter. But, if we are talking 2, 1st, then I am open.

On 2/18/2026 at 3:19 PM, seengreen said:

Mannnn if they trade him, they will rue the day. Because in public, the talk would never end. I wouldn't trade Carter. But, if we are talking 2, 1st, then I am open.

Hmm but the chances you draft just 1 player that is the game wrecker he has and can be? I don’t know I’m not sure I take the risk.

On 2/16/2026 at 6:21 PM, ManchesterEagle said:

I think Carter would be really hard to sign long term at the moment. His talent is immense, but with attitude and injury issues it might make sense to take the 5th year option then see how next year plays out.

I always think about Albert Haynesworth (sp?) when I think about the downside of Jalen Carter. In both cases what's above the shoulders was/could be an issue. Probably not but it'd be wise to be as certain as possible. Being able to keep Davis around as more than a baby sitter will help.

29 minutes ago, eglz1 said:

I always think about Albert Haynesworth (sp?) when I think about the downside of Jalen Carter. In both cases what's above the shoulders was/could be an issue. Probably not but it'd be wise to be as certain as possible. Being able to keep Davis around as more than a baby sitter will help.

Carter has come out the gates dominating though. Haynesworth played like a bust until his final year of his contract then decided to play hard.

There is nothing about Jalen Carter's personality that reminds me of Haynesworth. They are two completely different people. Haynesworth seemed only apathetic or angry on game day. Carter appears to have fun. Haynesworth had many "dirty" plays that were intentional. Carter spat on Dak after Dak spat toward him. Carter still has a lot of maturing to do, but I'm not worried about him becoming a "dirty" player or becoming one that doesn't look like he cares to be out there. Both players have/had great talent and that's where the similarities end.

Yup

On 2/14/2026 at 1:14 PM, LacesOut said:

As long as he's healthy, and matures as a Professional Football player, then yes.

I think the injury concerns me more than his maturation, now that I think about it some more. Both shoulders were effed up last season? Hmmmpphh.

On 2/18/2026 at 9:00 AM, Diehardfan said:

Honestly, between health and maturity concerns I'd trade him. Trading him saves a ton of cap space and would give them a haul of picks to rebuild multiple other positions quickly.

I agree, as far as I'm concerned, he hasn't played up to the hype surrounding him.

Trading notable players in their prime is how the Pats were able to dominate for such a long time.

Trading notable players in their prime is also why the Raiders continue to be bottom feeders (Mack, Cooper, etc...)