Eagles lean into defense with Jordan Davis extension, Riq Woolen deal
Extending Jalen Carter still on the agenda
From the Delaware County Daily Times: https://tinyurl.com/37jatxh3
PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles opened the new NFL league year Wednesday by doubling down on defense.
Defensive tackle Jordan Davis addressed reporters after signing a major extension, and the team agreed to terms with former Pro Bowl cornerback Riq Woolen as free agency officially opened at 4 p.m.
Davis, who has become one of the anchors of the defensive front, spoke at the Jefferson Health Training Complex about the extension and the expectations that come with it.
“I just want to be the best player I could be for the team,” Davis said. “I’m definitely proud of the work that I’ve been putting in. And that’s not stopping.”
Davis has grown into one of the Eagles’ most important defensive players since being selected 13th overall out of Georgia in the 2022 draft. At 6-foot-6 and roughly 330 pounds, he has developed into a dominant interior presence and a centerpiece of a defensive line that helped power the Birds’ recent championship run.
His new contract reflects that importance. The Eagles rewarded Davis with a three-year extension worth $78 million, with $65 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid nose tackle in NFL history.
During Wednesday’s presser, Davis emphasized that the deal represents motivation rather than a finish line.
“This is not the best that I can be,” he said. “I’m always scratching and clawing for that.”
Davis’ growth over the past several seasons has been significant. Early in his career, he was viewed primarily as an elite run-stopper, but his pass-rushing ability has steadily improved. In 2025, he posted career highs in tackles and sacks while continuing to command attention from opposing offensive lines.
He is coming off the most productive season of his career. In 2025, he started all 17 games and recorded 72 tackles, 4.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and six passes defended — all career-highs.
Davis also delivered one of the more unusual highlights of the Eagles’ season, returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
The former first-round pick reshaped his body heading into the season, reporting to training camp 26 pounds lighter in an effort to improve his stamina and become a more complete player.
The Eagles have increasingly leaned on their defensive front as the foundation of their identity, and locking up Davis ensures that core remains intact. Extending defensive tackle Jalen Carter remains a top priority.
“The ceiling is the only thing you place upon yourself,” Davis said. “And I’m still chasing it.”
While Davis represents continuity, the organization also made an early move by agreeing to terms with Woolen, a former Pro Bowl cornerback who spent the first four seasons of his pro career with the Seattle Seahawks, who just won the Super Bowl.
Woolen, 26, joins on a one-year contract worth up to $15 million, bringing rare size and speed to a secondary that already features emerging young playmakers.
Originally a fifth-round pick in 2022 out of UTSA, Woolen quickly became one of the league’s most intriguing defensive backs. A converted wide receiver with elite athletic traits, he recorded six interceptions as a rookie and earned Pro Bowl honors.
At 6-foot-4 with exceptional straight-line speed, Woolen has the type of physical profile teams covet for outside cornerbacks. Over four seasons in Seattle, he appeared in 64 games, totaling 203 tackles, 12 interceptions and 53 passes defended.
The Eagles hope Woolen will solidify the second outside cornerback spot, opposite All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell, and strengthen a young secondary that also includes All-Pro nickel corner Cooper DeJean.
The addition also helps address depth in the defensive backfield after the Eagles lost several contributors in free agency, including safety Reed Blankenship to Houston and linebacker Nakobe Dean to Las Vegas. It’s a “show-me” contract for Woolen, whose production leveled off after his rookie campaign.
Notes
• Backup quarterback Sam Howell agreed to a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys, leaving Philly after spending the 2025 season as a reserve behind Jalen Hurts and Tanner McKee.
• Edge rusher Josh Uche will not return after signing with the Miami Dolphins. Uche had joined the Eagles during the 2025 season but played a limited role in the defensive rotation.
• Backup offensive lineman Brett Toth agreed to a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, continuing the steady churn of depth pieces that often accompanies free agency
• The Eagles are exploring additional help at edge rusher, with league reports indicating interest in Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.
The position became a greater focus after edge rusher Jaelan Phillips departed in free agency earlier this week, leaving Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt among the top edge defenders currently under contract as of publication.
Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.