NFL Analyst Praises New York Jets for Michael Carter II Contract

The New York Jets are preparing this week for their 2024 season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. But in between all their workouts, some big news has been announced.

The Jets have agreed to a lucrative multi-year extension with cornerback Michael Carter II. New York made the fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft the highest-paid cornerback in the league, signing him to a three-year, $30.75 million contract.

The contract is worth up to $33 million and includes just over $19 million in guarantees, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Entering his fourth season as a pro, Carter has solidified his status as one of the league’s top nickel players.

Before that deal was completed, the Duke product was set to become a free agent in 2025. While he doesn’t get the same kind of recognition as Sauce Gardner or DJ Reed, Carter is just as important to the team’s pass defense.

That’s part of why Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon was happy to see something happen. In his piece sharing thoughts on each NFL team ahead of Week 1, he focused on New York’s talented cornerback.

“Kudos to Michael Carter II and the Jets for getting a long-term deal in place before the start of the regular season. Often overshadowed by Sauce Gardner in that stellar secondary, Carter is a hugely underrated cornerback. He has allowed three total touchdowns in three NFL seasons,” Gagnon wrote.

In 15 games last season, the standout cornerback recorded 50 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one hit on the quarterback, nine passes defended and one forced fumble.

He also earned a high PFF grade with an 80.4 overall grade and an 83.3 coverage grade. His overall grade was 12th out of 127 qualifying cornerbacks.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh is certainly happy to have him in the mix, calling Carter a “silent assassin” during training camp.

“He’s one of our best communicators,” Saleh said. “He’s trustworthy. He does his job. His technique is perfect. He wins his one-on-one battles. He’s a big part of this defense.”

Carter will be tested early on to live up to his new contract against a very talented 49ers offense.