Eagles Conspiracy: Abdul Carter is not participating in Scouting Combine because he wants to come to Philly

Abdul Carter is reportedly not participating in the upcoming NFL scouting combine due to lingering injuries, or is it because he wants to tank his draft stock in order to fall to the Eagles? Hear me out.

The NFL Combine is a crucial opportunity for top prospects to solidify their draft status. Yet, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, once projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick, has decided not to participate in this year’s combine workouts. According to his agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, Carter is still recovering from a shoulder injury sustained against Boise State and only recently received clearance to resume training.

Penn St. DE and potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter will not work out at the combine because he has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered vs. Boise State, according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Carter played through the injury vs. Notre Dame in… pic.twitter.com/SJlgCMKqxl

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025

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While the explanation seems straightforward, I have a different theory. Could Carter be strategically managing his draft stock to fall into the lap of his hometown Eagles, who hold the 32nd overall pick?

Carter’s injury timeline is well-documented. He played through the shoulder issue in Penn State’s semifinal playoff game against Notre Dame and continued to rehab afterward. Dr. Dan Cooper, who examined Carter in Dallas earlier this month, confirmed his recent clearance to return to training. Rosenhaus emphasized that Carter will be “fully recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State and will perform at a very high level.”

But the timing of this announcement, paired with Abdul Carter’s Philadelphia roots, has fueled speculation. To be fair, skipping the combine probably won’t hurt Carter’s draft stock all that much, but the lingering injury — that could give some teams pause. The Eagles, always keen on strengthening their defense through the trenches, would undoubtedly jump at the chance to select Carter, even if it means trading up to snag him.

It’s no secret that Abdul Carter is a huge Eagles fan. He’s been vocal about how much he loves his team and Jalen Hurts. He’s defended the quarterback on social media and was even seen wearing a custom-made Eagles Super Bowl jacket during the post game celebrations.

Abdul Carter yearns to be a Philadelphia Eagle

Abdul Carter with a custom made Eagles sweatshirt with his name and number whole holding the Lombardi trophy, just an absolute super fan pic.twitter.com/xjXA8ffMTT

— Poerbler (@Poerbler) February 10, 2025

The more I think about it, the more I believe this is the big swing Howie Roseman takes this offseason. Landing Myles Garrett would be great, but why not use that draft capital to move up and get a generational talent who’s going to play at least three years under a rookie contract?

It just makes more sense. The kid wants to be here and the Eagles have a need. It’s a no-brainer.