Philadelphia Eagles’ new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has big plans for second-year defensive tackle Jalen Carter in 2024.
Carter, the Eagles’ 2023 first-round pick, played less than 50% of the team’s defensive snaps last fall.
But according to Fangio, you can expect to seem him take on a much larger role this upcoming season.
“I think he’s talented enough that no matter what we do with him, we’ll be maximizing him,” Fangio said on Thursday when asked how he plans to maximize Carter’s talents in his defense. “He’s got to get in great shape, which I think he’s off to a great start here, so we can play him a lot.”
Carter already looks like he shed a few pounds since last season, via a video the Eagles’ social media team shared on X/Twitter this week.
Nothing wrong with a lil friendly competition 😤 pic.twitter.com/r5b3BYOynM
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 9, 2024
In his rookie campaign, Carter tallied six sacks and 47 QB pressures. Those numbers should spike, especially with Fletcher Cox head off to retirement.
Carter won’t be the only one carrying a larger workload, however.
Fellow Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis will be expected to step up as well.
“Same thing [as Carter],” Fangio said. “He’s heading into his third year. I think he’s off to a good start this offseason. I don’t have anything to compare it to, not having been here his first two years. But I think he’s working good. I think he’s rounding into good shape. It’s up to us to give him the opportunity and platform to get in good shape, and then rely on him when he leaves here and that dead time between the offseason and camp. From what I’ve seen so far, very encouraging.”
The Eagles did not draft a defensive tackle or bother to look for one in free agency, which means they’re really counting on Carter and Davis to replace Cox’s production.
