It’s been a wildly disappointing season for the New York Jets’ defense. After finishing sixth in defensive DVOA in 2022 and third in 2023, the Jets have stooped to 20th through their first 11 games of 2024.
Numerous individual disappointments have contributed to the unit’s collective disappointment. While this unit is mired in negative storylines, it is still worthwhile to highlight the players who are performing up to expectations. One of those is Michael Carter II, the Jets’ prized slot cornerback.
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A former fifth-round pick, Carter II surprisingly emerged as one of the Jets’ brightest young stars from 2021-23. Carter II was rewarded for his efforts before the 2024 season began, signing a three-year, $30.75 million extension. While the former fifth-round pick has battled injury issues throughout the 2024 season, missing two games and large chunks of others, Carter II has quietly produced at a high level when on the field.
In slot coverage this season, Carter II has allowed 17 receptions on 29 targets for just 138 yards and no touchdowns (no interceptions). His average of 4.8 yards allowed per target ranks third-best among the 42 defensive backs with at least 100 snaps in slot coverage. In addition, his 70.8 passer rating allowed in slot coverage, which is a career-low, ranks fifth-best. Carter II also has the seventh-most slot targets without allowing a touchdown.
The key to Carter II’s success is his tackling. He excels at preventing his man from making big plays after the catch, which is an essential trait for slot corners since most of their targets occur on short passes. Carter II has yielded just 65 yards after the catch on his 17 allowed receptions. His average of 3.8 YAC allowed per reception is a career-low and ranks fourth-best out of 42 qualifiers. Carter II has missed just one tackle in the passing game this year (two in the run game).
Making an impact in silence has always been Carter II’s bread and butter. He earned his eight-figure salary despite only recording two interceptions in his first three seasons. This year has been no different.
Carter II has been seldom discussed by fans and media this year, which tends to happen when your on-ball/box-score production is as minuscule as his (0 INT, 1 PD, 0 sacks, 0 QB hits, 0 FF, 1 FR). Yet, that is often a good thing for a cornerback, which is precisely the case with Carter II. Full-game broadcasts go by without his name being mentioned, and that’s because he’s too busy locking down his man.
There is plenty to be frustrated about regarding the Jets’ defense right now. Carter II gives fans something to feel great about in both the short and long term. Still only 25 years old, he is under contract through 2027 on very affordable cap hits relative to his excellent coverage production: $4.25M in 2025, $12.25M in 2026, and $12.25M in 2027.
MCII continues to be a trustworthy building block for the New York Jets. He does his job well and he does it quietly, making New York a better team without feeding the drama that surrounds the organization.
