Has Eagles Reported a Shocking Decision on Jordan Davis’ 5th Year Option?

Philadelphia, PA – March 25, 2025, 08:53 AM PDT
The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly decided not to activate the 5th year option on defensive tackle Jordan Davis’ contract, a move that could see the 2022 first-round pick become a free agent after the 2025 season, sources told ESPN on Monday. The decision, which aligns with the team’s cost-cutting strategy, reflects a calculated approach by GM Howie Roseman to manage the salary cap while maintaining flexibility for future roster moves.

Davis, selected 13th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $17 million contract with a $9.6 million signing bonus. The 5th year option for 2026 would have cost the Eagles $12.6 million fully guaranteed, a significant jump from his 2025 base salary of approximately $3 million. By declining the option, the Eagles save nearly $10 million in cap space for 2026, allowing them to allocate resources toward other pressing needs, such as cornerback and defensive end, where the team has lost key starters like Darius Slay, James Bradberry, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams (web ID: 0, 3).

Roseman’s decision appears to be driven by a combination of financial prudence and Davis’ on-field performance. While Davis has been a solid run-stuffer—helping the Eagles rank tied for 5th in the NFL in average rushing yards allowed per attempt (2.4) on third-down plays with three yards or less to go in 2024—he has not developed into the three-down player the team hoped for. In 2024, he started all 17 games, recording 1 sack, 27 tackles, and 10 pressures with a 5.4% pressure rate, a modest output for a first-round pick. His defensive snap count also dropped from 519 in 2023 (45%) to 388 in 2024 (37%) under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, signaling a reduced role in pass-rushing situations (web ID: 3, 19).

The Eagles’ reported interest in drafting an interior defender early in the 2025 NFL Draft, such as Florida’s Cam Jackson, further suggests that the team is preparing for a future without Davis. With Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, Thomas Booker, and Byron Young already under contract, the Eagles may see Davis as expendable if he does not agree to a cost-effective extension by the end of the 2025 season (web ID: 10, 22). If no deal is reached, Davis will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, free to sign with any team.