Michael Carter II was ready to move heaven and Earth to help facilitate a trade away from the New York Jets ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport shared the details on social media:
“Here’s how badly Michael Carter II wanted to join the champs: Sources say he agreed to delete the $5M guaranteed for injury in his 2026 contract year to complete the trade to the Eagles,” Rapoport revealed.
NFL agents work hard for everything that gets written into a contract. For Carter to waive a key $5 million injury guarantee was a key component of the trade.
A Trade That Was Best for Both Parties
Carter had fallen out of favor with the Jets’ coaching staff. He went from the highest-paid slot defender in the league to riding the bench. The writing was clearly on the wall after the Jets acquired cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr in a trade with the Tennessee Titans earlier this season.
Things worked out for Carter, though. He went from a 1-7 Jets team in Week 8 to the 6-2, first-place in the NFC East, defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. Not too shabby.
Carter goes to a place where he will be a full-time contributor. He goes to a much better football team with championship aspirations. Now has a chance to rejuvenate his NFL career.
The Jets get cap relief, an improved draft slot, and a young wide receiver to roll the dice on.
“Trade: Jets are sending CB Michael Carter and a 2027 7th-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for WR John Metchie and a 2027 sixth-round pick,” ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter posted.
Grading the Jets-Eagles Trade Swapping Carter for Metchie
ESPN’s Seth Walder gave the Jets and the Eagles the same grade for the trade: B.
“Moving on from Carter was logical for the Jets. Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who filled in during Carter’s absence, put up better numbers in a limited sample: 0.9 yards allowed per coverage snap when aligned in the slot. With the Jets long out of the running this season, it made sense to deal Carter, get off the hook for his light guarantee next year, and recoup whatever draft compensation they could,” Walder explained.
“That turned out to be a late-round pick swap, but the Jets also picked up [John] Metchie III. He is essentially a throw-in, but he also could feasibly start on a Jets team that has a barren wide receiver room. Behind Garrett Wilson — who has missed the last two weeks with a hyperextended knee — the Jets have Tyler Johnson, Arian Smith, and Allen Lazard at wide receiver with Josh Reynolds on IR. The Eagles acquired Metchie from the Texans in an August trade, but he only played 14 snaps for them,” Walder said. “The Jets might give him an avenue to significant playing time.”
Carter Shares Message Post Eagles-Jets Trade
Minutes after the trade was announced on social media, Carter took to social media.
“New York, I’m forever grateful! You changed my life 💚 so much love to all my dawgs in the building. Greatness is on the way,” Carter wrote.
Jets Bring Back Fan Favorite Pass Catcher
The green and white announced on social media that they have signed wide receiver Brandon Smith to the practice squad.
He was released from the team’s active roster on Tuesday.
Jets senior reporter Eric Allen shared more details in a press release: “Smith (6-1, 218) spent the last two seasons on the Jets’ P-squad and was signed to the active roster ahead of Week 8, playing 8 offensive snaps in the Green & White’s win against Cincinnati. He also appeared in their Week 6 loss to the Broncos. Smith, an Iowa product, led the Jets with 10 catches during the 2025 preseason for 113 yards. He previously played with the D.C. Defenders of the UFL, and he spent time on the Cowboys’ and Cardinals’ rosters but did not appear in any regular season games.”
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