As a crucial member of a tenacious New York Jets defense, Michael Carter II has become one of the finest slot cornerbacks in the NFL.
Now, Gang Green is paying him as such.
Carter and the Jets have agreed to terms on a three-year, $30.75 million extension that will make him the highest-paid slot corner in the league, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Carter's extension carries a max value of $33 million with slightly more than $19 million in total guarantees, Pelissero added.
A 2021 NFL Draft fifth-round pick out of Duke, Carter was memorably one of two Michael Carters taken by the Jets that year. He's the only Michael Carter remaining on the squad now, though, and has stood tall for a defense that finished third in yards allowed in 2023 and second against the pass.
The 25-year-old, who was entering the final season of his rookie contract, is coming off the best season of his career. He garnered a career-high 80.4 PFF grade – including an 83.3 coverage grade – while recording 50 tackles and nine pass breakups.
Carter could've been a top-flight free agent come March, but instead, the Jets are locking up one of their brightest young talents.
