Initially, the thought of the 2021 NFL Draft will bring up bad memories for New York Jets fans. Immediate PTSD flashbacks of Zach Wilson on draft day come to mind. However, that’s not without saying Joe Douglas didn’t find some bright spots. One of those was cornerback Michael Carter II out of Duke. Since then, Carter has turned into an extremely talented nickelback. So, the New York Jets gave Michael Carter II a new contract to reflect that.
The team agreed to a three-year contract extension for Michael Carter II. With the value of $30 million (up to $33 million) and $19 million guaranteed, Michael Carter II is now the highest-paid nickelback of all time. While many expected the Jets to move closer to a Reddick extension, this deal was earned by Carter II over the past three years. This new contract will allow Carter to grow alongside Sauce Gardner for hopefully a long time.
Jets, CB Michael Carter II agree to terms on 3-year, $30.75M extension with over $19M guaranteed. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/pz5VabzzC6
— NFL (@NFL) September 3, 2024
Young Jets Cornerback Rewarded With Contract Extension
Recruited as a three-star prospect out of Georgia, Michael Carter II committed to play for Duke University in 2016. Through 46 games, Carter finished with 135 total tackles, seven and a half sacks, and four interceptions. The Blue Devils defensive back was teammates with current New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. Coincidentally, the Giants were partially responsible for Carter’s selection because he was picked with the same draft pick acquired in the Leonard Williams to the Giants trade at the 2019 NFL trade deadline. Carter was selected with the 154th overall pick during the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. What’s even more bizarre is the fact Michael Carter was the second Michael Carter the Jets took this draft class. During the 4th round of the draft, the team selected a running back from the University of North Carolina… who is also named Michael Carter.
Michael Carter II is probably the most underrated nickel in the NFL. Glued to the hip every snap pic.twitter.com/HfeOMVjYeu
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) July 13, 2024
A well-earned extension
While Sharing a secondary with stars Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, Michael Carter has found success at nickelback. The nickelback is a valued position in the secondary to help limit multiple receiver sets. The position requires a physical type of defender to serve as a reliable tackler on third and long situations. Throughout his three-year career, Carter played in 47 out of 51 games. He’s become a dependable piece of the defense with his tackling in the open field. His 185 total tackles over his career include 132 solo tackles. He’s also defended 9 passes thrown to him in back-to-back seasons.
Although he’s overshadowed by the celebrity of Sauce and other stars on the team, Michael Carter II earned that contract extension for doing the little things. He rose to the occasion from being a 5th-round pick to becoming a dependable starter. The determination to work your way up the depth chart when at any point he could have been cut speaks to the quality of teammate he is. With Sauce Gardner and Jermaine Johnson eligible for extensions next year, Joe Douglas is beginning to reward this talented young defense.
Main Photo: [Stephen A. Sylvanie] – USA Today Sports
