Eagles

Jalen Carter Says it “Doesn’t Really Matter What the Fans Want” in a Quote That Probably Should’ve Just Been a Thought

By Matt Schultz

Published: Oct 29th, 2026 · 3:40 PM EDT

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Jalen Carter is having a fascinating season.

On the year, he has 18 total tackles (8 solo, 10 assisted), 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits, 6 quarterback hurries, 1 knockdown, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 passes defended. Among defensive tackles in 2026, those numbers rank him 1st in forced fumbles, 2nd in quarterback hurries, t-7th in sacks, t-7th in tackles for loss, t-8th in passes defended, and t-16th in total tackles.

Overall, that sounds pretty solid.

The problem, though, is that his play has been wildly inconsistent. The bulk of Carter’s production came in his massive Week 5 performance against Jacksonville, when he racked up 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 3 hurries, and 5 tackles — aside from that one game, Jalen has been straight-up bad. 

In 5 of his 7 games, Carter has recorded 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, and 0 tackles for loss. He’s had two games where he recorded 0 solo tackles and 0 disruptions. Overall, 2 of his 3 sacks, 3 of his 5 TFLs, and 2 of his 3 forced fumbles this season came in that one game against the Jaguars. Take out that game and his numbers would be atrocious. 

It’s been a boom or bust year, to say the least. And when asked about his inconsistent play on Wednesday, Carter didn’t do much in the way of winning himself favor:

Jalen Carter had some eye-opening quotes during his media availability on Wednesday after Eagles practice 😳 https://t.co/6ARuoh0FNV

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) October 28, 2026

REPORTER: “How do you think you’re playing this season?”

CARTER: “I think y’all ask me this every year and I say ‘trash.’ So, trash… I think you asked me this last year. And the year before. And I gave you the same answer. So, trash. Not to my expectations, and I guess not to what the fans want. And it doesn’t really matter what they want, so.”

Not great to hear this! In the middle of a five-game losing streak where the whole team looks like they’re trying less and less every week, I would rather have heard something else! Or nothing at all! Nothing would have been perfectly fine. If Jalen had said, “Not up to my expectations, and I guess not to what the fans want,” and then stood there silently for thirtyish seconds, that would’ve been way better. He should’ve just done that. I would’ve wondered about the long silence, sure. I would’ve thought it was odd, no doubt. But it wouldn’t have made me question Jalen Carter’s attitude and the vibe of the locker room and the culture of the team, which is what I’m doing right now.

Also, I feel like it’s worth pointing out that while I don’t appreciate him saying it, Jalen is probably right. What the fans want doesn’t really matter when it comes to what happens on the field. We root and cheer and boo and have all kinds of opinions, but ultimately, playing on the Eagles is Jalen Carter’s job. I don’t get a real say in how he does it anymore than he gets a say in how I write my blogs. But just because that’s true doesn’t mean he should’ve announced it into a microphone.

It’s an annoying thing to hear as a fan. We’re all emotionally and financially and psychologically invested in these teams. We care a lot about what happens. And for a player to turn around and essentially tell us, “None of this has anything to do with you, I don’t care what you want, you’re wasting your time and energy by having an opinion on this stuff,” is slightly fucked up.

No need to say that sort of thing, Jalen. Just think it. You’re allowed to privately think whatever you want. Quietly thinking stuff is always a good, safe option. Hope you consider that next time. That’s what I want for you, even though what I want doesn’t matter.