Michael Carter II, Jets Agree to $30.8M Contract to Become NFL’s Highest-Paid Slot CB

Zach BacharContributor ISeptember 3, 2024

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The New York Jets gave cornerback Michael Carter II a three-year, $30.75 million extension on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero noted that the deal can be worth up to $33 million and includes just over $19 million in total guarantees, making Carter the highest-paid slot cornerback in the league.

The 25-year-old was selected by New York with a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and is set to enter his fourth season with the organization.

Carter was set to enter free agency in 2025, but he’s now locked in with the Jets through the 2027 season.

Despite the Jets’ 7-10 record last year, Carter was an important part of a secondary that allowed the second-fewest passing yards among all NFL teams. In 15 appearances, he racked up 50 tackles and nine passes defensed to go along with a forced fumble.

Pro Football Focus gave Carter an impressive 80.4 grade for his 2023 campaign, allowing just 32 receptions on 57 targets.

Jets head coach Robert Saleh praised the slot corner’s communication with his teammates in training camp when speaking to reporters on July 30, referring to him as a “silent assassin.”

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

Jets Videos @snyjetsRobert Saleh calls Michael Carter a “silent assassin”

“He’s one of our greater communicators. He’s trustworthy. He’s on his job. His technique is perfect. He wins his one-on-one battles. He’s a big part of this defense.” pic.twitter.com/eIICtYbgUx

With Aaron Rodgers back under center in 2024, the Jets have playoff aspirations once again. New York is expected to compete in the AFC East with a revamped offensive line and a defense that features one of the league’s most imposing cornerback groups.

All-Pro Sauce Gardner will be back on the boundary, while D.J. Reed is entering his third season with the team after racking up 21 passes defensed over the past two seasons. With Carter in the slot, the Jets are attempting to end the NFL’s longest active playoff drought.