Jets agree to historic contract extension with standout defender

The New York Jets have agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with cornerback Michael Carter worth $30.75 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal is worth up to $33 million and includes $19 million in guarantees. It also makes Carter the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL.

The highest-paid cornerback in the NFL is Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers, who makes an average of $21 million per year. Cornerback Kenny Moore II of the Indianapolis Colts previously became the highest-paid cornerback in March when he signed a three-year, $30 million contract, but Carter exceeded that amount.

Carter is entering his fourth season with the Jets after being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The deal keeps him signed to the Jets as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Since leaving Duke, Carter has appeared in 47 games for the Jets, starting 20.

The 25-year-old has had two consecutive solid seasons for the Jets. In 2022, Carter has recorded 63 total tackles, nine pass deflections, two interceptions and three tackles for loss. He has also allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 64.9 percent of their passes against him, good for a 75.3 grade.

In 2023, Carter allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete just 51.6 percent of their passes against him, good for a 70.6 grade. He also had 50 total tackles, one tackle for loss and nine pass deflections.

Carter has contributed to a Jets defense that is one of the best in the NFL. In 2023, the Jets ranked third in total yards, second in passing yards and 12th in points allowed per game. They allowed an average of 168.3 passing yards per game, second only to the Cleveland Browns.

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With the NFL now being a passing league, having a great passing defense is key, and that makes re-signing Carter all the more valuable to the Jets. The Jets hope that with their defense and the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from a torn Achilles, they can finally become playoff contenders. The Jets currently have the longest playoff drought in the NFL, failing to make the playoffs since the 2010 season.

The Jets remain in a contract dispute with edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is the last remaining NFL player after San Francisco 49ers left quarterback Trent Williams signed a contract earlier today. Reddick, who was traded to the Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles in March, is still looking for a new deal.