Eagles expected to decline $12.9M fifth-year option on defensive starter

The Philadelphia Eagles are continuing their trend of tough roster decisions this offseason, with reports now indicating that the team is unlikely to exercise the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Jordan Davis, their 2022 first-round pick.

Cap Strategy Driving Roster Shakeups

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the Eagles front office is making aggressive moves to reshape the roster — largely through financial restraint. This spring, Philadelphia parted ways with several notable contributors on defense, including Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Darius Slay, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Isaiah Rodgers, and Oren Burks.

The pattern reflects a broader shift in philosophy: reduce salary commitments for 2026 and beyond in order to retain the team’s rising stars. With several young players entering their primes in 2025, the Eagles appear to be prioritizing flexibility to offer extensions where it matters most.

Eagles May Let Jordan Davis Hit Free Agency

That approach could now affect Jordan Davis, who is eligible for a fifth-year option worth an estimated $12.9 million, fully guaranteed in 2026. According to PFF’s Bradley Locker, the Eagles are projected to decline the option, making Davis a potential unrestricted free agent following the 2025 season.

Buy Eagles Apparel from the TLL Online Shop

While Davis has shown flashes of disruptive play, particularly against the run, he has yet to become a full-time force along the defensive front. In fact, he hasn’t logged 600 snaps in a season, and his pass-rush productivity has lagged behind teammates like Jalen Carter and the now-departed Milton Williams. His pass-rush win rate has remained below 8.0% over the past two seasons — a key stat in Philadelphia’s system that values interior pressure.

What This Means for the Eagles’ Defensive Future

If the Eagles indeed decline Davis’ option, it would be another sign that the team is planning for a defensive youth movement in 2025. With multiple picks in the upcoming draft and a potential need on the interior line, Philadelphia could look to replace Davis via the draft if an extension isn’t worked out.

Read More: Eagles host 4 offensive lineman on pre-draft visits

That said, Davis has not been without value. Though he isn’t a stat-sheet star, he consistently eats up space and helps collapse the pocket, especially in early-down situations. His impact during the playoff run — even in a rotational role — did not go unnoticed, with PFF grading him as one of the team’s top defensive performers during that stretch.

The Eagles have until May 1 to make their final decision on Davis’ option. While declining it doesn’t rule out a possible future with the team, it’s clear that Philadelphia is being highly selective with long-term investments. If no extension materializes this season, Davis could follow the same path as Sweat and Williams — both of whom left via free agency this March.