Orlovsky sees top-five defense after Carter extension

$106 million of Carter's four-year deal is guaranteed.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 281 min read

"I think this has the chance to be, once again, a top-five defense." @danorlovsky7 reacts to Jalen Carter's extension w Via @ESPNNFL on X

What happened: Carter's four-year, $152 million extension runs through 2031 and can reach $160 million. Orlovsky said the defensive tackle's return gives the unit a chance to rank among the NFL's top five again.

Why it matters: The commitment makes Carter the NFL's highest-paid defensive tackle. That record investment raises the standard for the defense entering the 2026 season.

By the numbers: The deal carries a $38 million base annual average, with $106 million guaranteed and $8 million in potential additional value.

What to watch: Training camp will offer the first test of Orlovsky's projection before the 2026 season begins.

Sources

@ESPNNFL 2026-07-28T20:45:02.588841+00:00

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