In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where defensive titans rise and fall, one name is poised to shake the foundation of the league: Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The bar for interior defensive linemen has been set stratospherically high over the past two decades, largely thanks to the legendary Aaron Donald. Yet, Carter, a rising star with rare explosiveness, is emerging as a legitimate contender to challenge for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) crown in 2025, potentially dethroning Denver Broncos’ cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
A New Eagle Soaring High
Selected as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter has wasted no time making his mark. In just his second season, the 314-pound force of nature earned NFL All-Pro honors and solidified his role as the cornerstone of an Eagles defense that steamrolled the Kansas City Chiefs in a commanding Super Bowl LIX victory. His blend of raw power, agility, and relentless drive has drawn comparisons to none other than Aaron Donald, the former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle who claimed the DPOY award three times.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report, in a June 1 analysis, placed Carter among the top five players capable of unseating Surtain as the NFL’s top defender in 2025. “In a world once dominated by Aaron Donald, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter is the closest thing to the retired three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year,” Sobleski wrote. “Carter is on the precipice … his explosiveness and movement skills for a 314-pound athlete are rare.” These traits, honed during his time as a standout on an elite Georgia Bulldogs defense, have translated seamlessly to the NFL, positioning Carter as the linchpin of the Eagles’ fearsome front.
A Wide-Open Race for Glory
The 2025 DPOY race is shaping up to be a battle royale, with no clear favorite according to oddsmakers. Four edge rushers—Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson, Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, Dallas’ Micah Parsons, and Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt—are locked in a tight pack with similar odds. Yet, Carter, with +1800 odds from BetMGM, stands out as the only interior defensive lineman in the top 10, just one spot ahead of Surtain, who secured a massive 4-year, $96 million contract extension before the 2024 season.
Carter’s trajectory mirrors that of Donald, who didn’t claim his first DPOY award until his fourth season in 2017. That year, Donald posted 41 tackles, 11.0 sacks, 15 tackles for loss (TFL), and 27 quarterback hits in just 14 games. He followed it up in 2018 with a historic campaign: 59 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 25 TFL, 41 QB hits, and 4 forced fumbles. If Carter continues to ascend at this pace, he could soon etch his name alongside such legendary performances.
Fangio’s Faith: Carter’s Untapped Potential
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a mastermind of defensive schemes, believes Carter is only beginning to tap into his immense potential. “The good news about Jalen is twofold,” Fangio said on June 3. “One, he played very well for us last year, and two, he can still improve a lot.” This vote of confidence underscores Carter’s limitless ceiling, as he transitions from a supporting role to the focal point of Philadelphia’s defensive line.
Carter’s rare combination of size, speed, and instinct makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and collapse pockets has already drawn comparisons to the game’s all-time greats. If he can refine his technique and maintain his relentless motor, the 2025 season could be his breakout moment on the NFL’s grandest stage.
A Historic Opportunity Awaits
Should Carter capture the DPOY award, he would become only the second defensive tackle in the last 25 years to achieve the feat, following in Donald’s footsteps. More significantly, he would join Eagles legend Reggie White, the only player in franchise history to win the award, doing so in 1987. Such an accomplishment would cement Carter’s place in NFL history and elevate the Eagles’ defensive legacy.
Beyond individual accolades, Carter’s future holds even greater stakes. As the Eagles approach the 2025 offseason, his contract extension looms as a major storyline. A second Super Bowl victory or a DPOY award—or both—could position Carter to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, surpassing even Surtain’s blockbuster deal.
The Dawn of a New Era
As the NFL prepares for a seismic power shift, Jalen Carter stands ready to lead the charge. With the Eagles’ defense poised to dominate and Carter’s star on the rise, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling showcase of his potential. Can this young phenom overthrow the AFC West’s $96 million giant and claim the DPOY throne? The stage is set, and the NFL world is watching.