PHILADELPHIA — This time last year, Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis was not a definite long-term extension candidate. He was talented but inconsistent through his first four NFL seasons.

During the 2025 season, Davis finally lived up to his first-round potential, finishing with 72 tackles, 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. Now, the Eagles are expected to offer him a big extension this offseason.

“I’m not doing this for just selfish reasons,” Davis said last week about earning a new contract. “I’m doing this because I want to be the best player I can be. Genuinely, I love this team, I love this program. They gave me an opportunity, they believed in me when nobody did. And it was my duty to be the best player I could be. … This is not the best that I have been. This is not the best that I can be. So I’m always scratching, I’m always clawing for that. The ceiling is the only thing that you can place upon yourself.”

Even though star defensive tackle Jalen Carter was not dominant this season due to shoulder issues, Philadelphia’s interior defensive line was the defense’s best unit, thanks to Davis. For the foreseeable future, he will be an integral player on the Eagles’ defense, which has several young stars.

One of the league’s best run defenders, Davis makes the job of Philadelphia’s linebackers easier. He also improved as a pass rusher after losing weight and getting in better shape.

Now considered one of the league’s best defensive tackles, Davis is far from satisfied. He’s not content with his numbers or with any other aspect of his game,

“​​I definitely had the ability to prove that I could be an every-down-player, but now I want to be out there every down,” Davis said. “Not saying I want to play 100% of the snaps, but I damn sure want to be close. Whatever I can do to improve, I’ll be willing to do.”

Davis’ biggest impact this season wasn’t the TFLs, sacks or pressures — it was his leadership. He address his teammates from the huddle before games and spoke up after losses. He was a bright spot during dark stretches of the season, including when the Eagles lost three straight games from Week 12 to Week 14.

For this reason, combined with his on-field production, Davis could carve out a long career with Philadelphia and become one the franchise’s faces.

“Just being consistent,” Davis said about his next step as a leader.”It’s one thing to lead, but it’s also one thing to lead by example and also have the same style of leadership. My leadership style, I’m sure I said it earlier this year, it’s just mainly just keeping the guys together and just being an example, being a positive influence and being a positive force in the locker room and on the field. And that’s not gonna stop. That’s just me. That’s how I live life.” …