Big Question

In a move that felt expected, the Eagles on Wednesday exercised the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Jordan Davis’ contract, meaning the burly defensive lineman will remain under contract in Philadelphia through the 2026 season.

The deadline to reach a decision on Davis’ option was May 1.

Davis in 2026 is slated to make $12.9 million on the option. If he continues his upward trajectory next season, the team will get tremendous value.

There’s obviously considerable projection when it comes to the 6-foot-6, 341-pound Davis, who last season accounted for just 37 percent of the defensive snaps (388) – despite the opportunity created by Fletcher Cox’s retirement.

Davis, to his credit, attacked last offseason and answered any questions remaining about his conditioning. He even offered encouraging glimpses into his development as a pass-rusher down the stretch, tallying a sack in both the NFC Championship and Super Bowl.

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles DT Jordan Davis had his fifth year option picked up by the team after showing some flashes in the postseason.

Davis’ impact can’t solely be measured by stats. The athletic space-eater occupies blockers, freeing up teammates while also keeping the second-level defenders free to roam.

Again, this is a bit of a projection by the Eagles, but hardly a blind one, as Davis has exhibited signs of becoming the player they envisioned after drafting him with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Still, it’s worth noting the 25-year-old has yet to play more than 45 percent of the defensive snaps, and an uptick in snap share this season will be necessary.

Having that background, let’s examine the remaining defensive tackles on the roster and how they fit into the puzzle:

Jalen Carter

Carter headlines this group and is quickly becoming among the top defensive players in the sport. Carter, 24, was a second-team AP All-Pro last season after accumulating 42 tackles (12 for loss), 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits.

The Georgia product rarely came off the field last season for the Eagles, logging 831 snaps and accounting for 84 percent of the snaps, affecting offenses against both the run and pass and his rush against Matthew Stafford in the NFC divisional round saved the Eagles’ season. Carter is a one-man wrecking crew, though he could sure use some help to ensure there’s plenty of gas remaining in critical moments.

GETTY IMAGES: Third-year DT Moro Ojomo is primed to be the starter opposite Jalen Carter but he’ll have competition.

Moro Ojomo

Ojomo is his second season thrived in a more prominent role, matching Davis in snaps (388). The Texas product racked up 20 tackles and five quarterback hits on the season, but what the stats don’t show is the team’s growing confidence in him. The Eagles selected him in the seventh round in 2023. Undersized, sure, but the 23-year-old showcases interior quickness, violent hands and uses leverage to his advantage.

Ojomo was highly productive in a complementary role and will likely need to build upon his breakthrough season. One thing to bear in mind, however, is sometimes undersized sparks don’t have the same effectiveness when tasked with shouldering a larger workload. I’m expecting a rotation opposite Carter to offset the free-agent loss of Milton Williams – who last season notched over 500 snaps – but Ojomo is primed for a breakout.

Ty Robinson

The Eagles selected Robinson, a Nebraska product, in the fourth round last weekend. Robinson, 24, can hold his own at the point of attack and plays with urgency. The power and violence that he plays with figures to translate into an impactful rotational player in the early going. Perhaps his snap share mirrors Ojomo’s from last season.

In a mild surprise, the Eagles didn’t add to the room on Day 2 of the draft, but they landed solid value in Robinson, who as a rookie projects to be an effective situational player, rotating with Davis and Ojomo.

Thomas Booker

Booker, 25, was a 2022 fifth-round pick of the Houston Texans but found his way onto the Eagles’ practice squad for the entirety of 2023. He latched on to an elusive roster spot last summer courtesy of a productive, consistent offseason and training camp showing. While Booker accounted for only 16 percent of the defensive snaps last season playing behind Carter, Davis, Williams and Ojomo, his effort was noticeable whenever he was inserted.

For perspective, Booker managed 18 tackles (two for loss), a sack and two quarterback hits over 17 games in an abbreviated role. His dense frame, quickness and leverage were hallmarks throughout camp and during the regular season.

Booker faced long odds last summer and finds himself in a crowded field, but coordinator Vic Fangio seems to have taken a liking to him and what Booker adds to his rotation. It might be a bit more daunting for Booker to stick this time given the quality of competition.

Byron Young

The Raiders just two years ago selected Young in the third round (No. 70), though the Alabama product quickly found himself on the outs, appearing in only six games as a rookie while playing 99 defensive snaps. The Eagles were awarded Young via waivers on Aug. 28, but placed him on injured reserve early with a hamstring injury and he failed to appear in a game. While Young largely remains a mystery – albeit an intriguing one – the low-risk, potential-reward by taking a chance on a 24-year-old with pedigree figures to, at minimum, add some juice to the depth battle.

Gabe Hall

A multifaceted defensive lineman who boasts alignment versatility, Hall spent the entire 2024 season on the Eagles’ practice squad. The Baylor product, who weighs in around 295 pounds, was among the team’s crown jewels in terms of post-draft signings. Perhaps a year of working with defensive line coach Clint Hurtt and repping on the scout team will propel him forward in his roster push.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.