After signing a three-year, $30 million contract extension with the New York Jets ahead of the 2024 season, Michael Carter II was expected to maintain the high level of play he showed in 2023. He was on track to do so until a nagging injury struck in Week 5.
In that game, Carter sustained a back injury that lingered throughout the season. He appeared in 13 games but was clearly limited, as he exited early or played a reduced snap count in multiple games. Carter II played a career-low 32% of the Jets’ snaps, less than half of his 68% in 2023.
Speaking with the media at the Jets’ mandatory minicamp, Carter revealed that he is now healthy, but it took him until February to recover from the nagging back injury, underscoring its significance.
A fifth-round pick in 2021 out of Duke, Carter II finished the 2024 season with 24 tackles (one for loss) and a single pass breakup as he battled the injury.
His 2023 campaign, however, showcased his full potential. Carter thrived in the slot, allowing just 4.8 yards per target, the lowest mark of his career, while giving up only one touchdown and eight first downs across 17 games.
He also averaged just 0.62 yards allowed per coverage snap, ranking among the league’s best at his position.
Carter has steadily developed into one of the NFL’s top nickel cornerbacks, and he is expected to be a critical piece in Steve Wilks’ defense. At full strength, he could be a difference-maker for a Jets secondary that is being rebuilt around speed, coverage flexibility, and positional depth.
Under a coach like Aaron Glenn, who preaches mental and physical toughness, Carter’s 2024 campaign surely didn’t go unnoticed.