What happened: The agreement can reach $160 million and keeps Jalen Carter under contract through 2031. Its $38 million annual average makes him the NFL's highest-paid defensive tackle.
Why it matters: The extension replaces a 2027 fifth-year option with long-term cost certainty. Its record annual value establishes a new benchmark for future defensive tackle negotiations.
By the numbers: The $106 million guarantee represents 69.7% of the $152 million base value. Incentives can add another $8 million.
What to watch: The contract's year-by-year structure will determine how quickly its record value reaches the salary-cap books.