Eagles Make No-Brainer Decision on Young Star After NFL Draft

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) celebrates as defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) celebrates as defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) sacks Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles had the top defensive line in the NFL last season. Their edge rush got lots of attention since that's where fans usually focus. However, no one matched the dominance of their interior defensive line. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams were one of the fiercest defensive tackle trios, creating havoc for opposing quarterbacks all season.

That said, Davis, a first-round draft pick in 2022, entered this offseason eligible for a fifth-year option. As of Tuesday, Philadelphia still hadn't exercised Davis's option, which they only had until May 1st to get done. Thankfully, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Eagles picked up Davis' option on Wednesday morning.

Exercising his option saves Philadelphia some major cash right now, as the 25-year-old is guaranteed only $12.9 million in 2026. Though it's likely the Eagles will continue to work out a long-term extension with Davis, assuring one more year of his services will be needed after losing some top pass rushers this offseason.

Philadelphia Picks Up Jordan Davis' Fifth-Year Option

As a rookie, Davis was a rotational defensive tackle, playing in 13 games (5 starts), totaling 225 defensive snaps. In those snaps, he recorded 18 tackles and one tackle for loss. Still, Davis took the starting job in 2023 and has played all 17 games in back-to-back seasons.

In 2023, Davis recorded 45 tackles, 13 QB hurries, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. Moreover, he had a pass rush grade of 67.3, a run defense grade of 62.2, and an overall grade of 70.5, according to PFF.

This past season, the 25-year-old racked up 27 tackles, 9 QB hurries, three tackles for loss, and one sack. In addition, he had a pass rush grade of 65.0, a run defense grade of 56.7, and an overall grade of 65.9.

Though Davis wasn't as productive on the stat sheet in 2024, he was still a key part of the defense. The Eagles need Davis to return to his 2024 productivity in 2025 after the losses they suffered at pass rusher this offseason.

If the 25-year-old has a great 2025 season, Philadelphia will certainly look to get an extension done quickly.

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