When it comes to improving their defense, it seems like the Philadelphia Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman aren’t done making moves.
The Eagles pulled the trigger on a trade that could vastly improve their defense just days ahead of the November 4 NFL trade deadline, sending wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for cornerback Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh round pick.
“Sources: The Eagles are trading for Jets versatile CB Michael Carter II to fill a need for them, with WR John Metchie III heading to NYJ in the deal,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on his official X account on October 29.
While the Eagles have one of the NFL’s few truly elite shutdown cornerbacks on one side of the field with 2024 first round pick and Super Bowl champion Quinyon Mitchell, the other starting outside cornerback spot has been an issue all offseason.
Carter is used to playing opposite an elite cornerback and holding his own playing opposite 2-time NFL All-Pro Sauce Gardner the last 4 seasons. Carter has been almost as good as Gardner, even if the Jets have been terrible the entire time.
“Michael Carter II in his career: 5 seasons, 3 TDs allowed,” Pro Football Focus wrote on its official X account. “Your newest Philadelphia Eagle.”
Carter took to social media to address the trade.
“New York, I’m forever grateful!” Carter wrote on his official X account. “You changed my life so much love to all my dawgs in the building. Greatness is on the way!”
Eagles Made Rare Misstep in Offseason
It’s not the first time the Eagles have tried to find someone competent to fill the cornerback role opposite Mitchell.
On August 4, the Eagles traded defensive lineman Thomas Booker IV to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for cornerback and 2023 fourth round pick (No. 104 overall) Jakorian Bennett.
Bennett, however, hasn’t been available since he went on injured reserve following a Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Rams, although he’s back practicing with the Eagles and could be back for a Week 10 Monday Night Football showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
All of this back-and-forth could have probably been avoided had the Eagles just re-signed last year’s other starting cornerback, veteran Darius Slay, who they let leave on a 1-year, $10 million free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Carter Made Massive Decision to Complete Trade
It will be interesting to see what Carter does once he’s on an elite team. He’s been playing on also-rans since the Jets took him in the fifth round (No. 154 overll) of the 2021 NFL draft after a standout career at Duke.
Carter, 5-foot-10 and 184 pounds, ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing, 4.36 seconds at the NFL scouting combine.
Now, he’s going to get a chance to play for the defending Super Bowl champions.
“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 wrote on his official X account.
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