The New York Jets just made a major financial commitment—though not to the player many were expecting. On September 3, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported that cornerback Michael Carter II had agreed to a three-year, $30.75 million extension with the Jets, making him the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL. The deal could be worth up to $33 million and includes over $19 million in guaranteed money.
This surprise move comes after the Jets cleared $8 million in cap space by restructuring the contracts of linebacker Quincy Williams and tight end Tyler Conklin, leading many to believe that a big-name player like Haason Reddick was next in line for a payday. Instead, the Jets opted to extend one of their own in Carter, a former fifth-round pick who has developed into a crucial piece of their defensive backfield.
The Jets and Michael Carter II have agreed to terms on a 3 year $30.75m extension, up to $33m, with slightly over $19m in total guarantees. Carter is now the highest paid slot corner in the NFL.
Deal done by Kelton Crenshaw of Klutch Sports Group.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2024
Jets’ Commitment to Carter
Carter, who was entering the final year of his rookie deal, has proven to be a valuable asset in the Jets’ secondary. His new deal surpasses the previous record for nickel cornerbacks set by Buffalo’s Taron Johnson, who inked a three-year, $31 million contract in March 2024. Carter’s extension slightly exceeds Johnson’s, particularly in guaranteed money, where Carter’s $19 million tops Johnson’s $17.82 million.
The Jets clearly value Carter’s consistency in coverage and his ability to lock down opposing receivers from the slot. His performance in 2022 earned him recognition as one of the top nickel corners in the league, and now, the Jets have ensured that he will remain a foundational part of their defense for the foreseeable future.
The 49ers restructured the contract of WR Deebo Samuel, creating $16.4M in cap space.
The Ravens restructured the contracts of DT Nnamdi Madubuike, K Justin Tucker and LB Roquan Smith, creating $9.3M in cap space.
The Jets restructured the contracts of LB Quincy Williams and…
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2024
Reaction Around the League
News of Carter’s extension sparked widespread reaction across social media. NFL Insider Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team praised the move, tweeting, “One of the best nickels in the league gets rewarded.” NBC Sports analyst Connor Rogers also weighed in, calling Carter “possibly the most underrated member of a very good Jets defense.”
The #Jets and CB Michael Carter II have reached agreement on a 3-year, $30.75M extension, per multiple reports. One of the best nickels in the league gets rewarded. pic.twitter.com/2Zr40bnCoT
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 3, 2024
Jets fans initially expected that Haason Reddick would be the focus of the team’s financial moves after the recent cap space adjustments, but many have since come around to the idea of locking up Carter long-term. ESPN radio host Jake Asman commended the Jets for acting swiftly, noting that Carter’s price would have only gone up had they waited until after the 2024 season.
Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic also chimed in, expressing surprise that the Jets locked Carter up before he could hit free agency, a move the organization hasn’t been known for in past years.
Michael Carter is possibly the most underrated member of a very good #Jets defense
Hard to find coverage in the slot as reliable as him, smart to get that extension done now
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) September 3, 2024
What’s Next for the Jets?
Another important reason why Michael Carter’s extension is a great sign for the #Jets?
That extension won’t hit until after this year.
Meaning the money restructured from Conklin and Williams’ deals are for this year specifically.
Could a Reddick extension be on the way?
— Nick Faria (@Nick_Faria1720) September 3, 2024
While Carter’s extension is a significant move for the Jets, some insiders are still speculating that the extra cap space created this offseason could signal more moves to come. Jets reporter Nick Faria suggested that while Carter’s extension is a win for the team, the restructured deals of Williams and Conklin could indicate that the Jets are still preparing to extend another key player—possibly Reddick—before the season kicks off.
The #Jets extending Michael Carter is a great sign they learned from the Bryce Huff situation.
Carter is phenomenal and it’s only going to be more expensive if they waited until after this season.
— Jake Asman (@JakeAsman) September 3, 2024
In the meantime, Carter can celebrate his new status as the league’s highest-paid slot corner. He’ll continue to anchor the Jets’ secondary, with the team hoping that this investment will help solidify one of the league’s top defenses for years to come.
Wow, Jets locked up Michael Carter before he hits free agency next year — not something they’ve done a lot over the years.
Well deserved for one of the NFL’s best nickel corners. https://t.co/kK1EKKu6pN
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 3, 2024
