The New York Jets have agreed to terms on a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension with cornerback Michael Carter, per 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 Jets and Michael Carter II have agreed to terms on a 3 year $30.75m extension, up to $33m, with slightly over $19m in total guarantees. Carter is now the highest paid slot corner in the NFL.
Deal done by Kelton Crenshaw of Klutch Sports Group.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2024
The highest-paid cornerback in the NFL overall is the Green Bay Packers’ Jaire Alexander, who takes in an average of $21 million per year. Indianapolis Colts corner Kenny Moore II was previously made the highest slot cornerback in March when he signed a three-year, $30 million deal, but Carter has now surpassed that total.
Carter is heading into his fourth season with the Jets, after he was the team’s fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. This deal keeps him signed with the Jets as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. Since coming out of Duke, Carter has appeared in 47 games for the Jets, starting 20 games.
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The 25-year-old has put together back-to-back strong seasons for the Jets. In 2022, Carter recorded 63 total tackles, nine pass deflections, two interceptions, and three tackles for loss. He also allowed opposing passers to complete 64.9 percent of their passes against him for a 75.3 rating.
In 2023, Carter allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete just 51.6 percent of their passes against him for a rating of 70.6. He also put up 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 gave up an average of 168.3 passing yards per game, only behind the Cleveland Browns.
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With the NFL now being a passing league, having a great pass defense is crucial and makes re-signing Carter all the more valuable for the Jets. The Jets are hoping with their defense and the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from a torn Achilles that they will finally become playoff contenders. The Jets currently hold the NFL‘s longest playoff drought, having not made the playoffs since the 2010 season.
The Jets do remain in a contract dispute with edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is the last remaining holdout in the NFL after San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams signed earlier today. Reddick, who was traded to the Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles in March, is still looking for a new deal.