Eagles experimenting with former first-round DT as edge-rusher

Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter put together an impressive rookie season, registering 33 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery on the interior of the defensive line.

However, Philadelphia has even bigger plans for the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft this season and that includes an expanded role on the defensive line.

The team has reportedly experimented with playing Carter as an edge-rusher to find mismatches on the defensive line.

"It's good. It's fun," Carter said , via Jeff Kerr of CBSSports.com. "I actually haven't been on the edge that much, but I always tell them if you need me anywhere, we got a package for it when I'm on the edge, and we'll see what happens."

It is a little surprising that the Eagles would want Carter coming off the edge as opposed to actual edge rushers Bryce Huff, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, and Nolan Smith, but this is the time of year to experiment and see what works best.

Carter's expanded role will also give him an opportunity to redeem himself after falling just short of his goal of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last season.

He's learned from his mistakes and isn't saying his goals this time around.

"I keep my goals private, man, because I didn't get my defensive player of the year," Carter added. "I just want to be the best. I want to connect with my team. The main goal is to win the Super Bowl."

Only time will tell if Philadelphia likes what it sees from Carter on the edge enough to use him in that role during the regular season, but that's what the preseason is for and he's welcoming whatever his coaches think is best.

"I got a lot of space," Carter finished. "I can line up wide where I can make the tackle set out a little farther."