If there’s anyone that new head coach Aaron Glenn should be open to selling at the NFL trade deadline, it’s cornerback Michael Carter. Carter was one of the last long term signings from the Joe Douglas era. The three-year, $31 million contract has become one of the worst deals on the books for this struggling Jets unit and if he is moved before next season, they could free up $18 million in cap space.
Additionally, insider Rich Cimini says the team’s latest moves imply that Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey might already be preparing for life after Carter.
“He got a sweetheart deal 13 months ago from former general manager Joe Douglas — a three-year, $31 million extension. Since then, he has battled injuries and hasn’t played well,” Cimini writes.
“New GM Darren Mougey drafted Malachi Moore and recently traded for Jarvis Brownlee Jr., both of whom play nickel. The writing is on the wall.”
This Week Will Answer A Lot Of Michael Carter Questions
Michael Carter has not played since Week 4 after suffering a concussion. Before his injury, Carter played 66%, 43%, and 72% of the team’s defensive snaps.
In his absence, 24-year-old Jarvis Brownlee Jr has stepped up in the nickel role. His snap count jumped from seven the week after he was traded to 41 in last week’s London loss.
With Carter set to return to play this week, fans will get their first look at what this Jets defense looks like with both players healthy.
Is Michael Carter Worth Dealing
Carter’s guaranteed money has already been payed. The next team to employ Carter will have to fulfill just his $9 million base salary in 2026 before being given the option to exercise a “potential out” clause in his contract.
For a team with room in the salary cap, taking a risk on overpaying Carter for a season may be a solid investment. If he can return to pre-2024 production, Carter would be a solid long term choice at a position with a lot of turnover. If his play remains on par with what he has put on tape since singing, a clean break after one season wouldn’t be too harmful.
Conversely for the Jets, with the young Brownlee now on roster and rookies Azareye’h Thomas and Malachi Moore in the room, hanging on to Carter makes little to no sense.
He should be moved to the highest bidder which, at his price point, isn’t expected to draw much more than a sixth round pick.
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