Michael Carter II Bio
Michael Carter II is an American professional football cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Duke Blue Devils and entered the NFL after being selected by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. Carter has built his reputation as a reliable nickelback, valued for his tackling, football intelligence, and versatility in coverage.
Standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds, Carter combines compact size with quickness and physicality in the slot. After four seasons with the Jets, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in October 2025, beginning a new chapter in his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Michael Carter II was born on March 8, 1999, in Douglasville, Georgia. He grew up in the western suburbs of Atlanta and attended South Paulding High School, where he played multiple positions on the football team and developed the competitive foundation that would shape his career. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com.
On July 4, 2016, Carter committed to Duke University, choosing the Blue Devils over other scholarship offers. He continued to refine his technique at the collegiate level, preparing himself for the demands of professional football. His path from a small-town Georgia high school to one of the ACC’s most respected academic and athletic programs reflected a steady, focused approach to his development.
Path to American Football
Carter’s progression at Duke positioned him as a draft-caliber cornerback by the end of his college career. Analysts at Bleacher Report ranked him as the 34th best cornerback prospect in the 2021 draft class, while NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein projected him as a fifth-round selection. Draft experts generally viewed him as a player who would be selected between the fifth and seventh rounds.
His projection was boosted by his special teams ability, character, and versatility in coverage. Carter entered the 2021 NFL draft viewed as a developmental corner who could contribute immediately on special teams and grow into a larger defensive role.
Michael Carter II Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
The New York Jets selected Carter in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2021 NFL draft. The pick had been acquired from the New York Giants in a trade for defensive lineman Leonard Williams. On May 7, 2021, the Jets signed Carter to a four-year, $3.80 million rookie contract that included a signing bonus of $328,927. He competed during training camp against cornerbacks such as Bryce Hall, Blessuan Austin, Javelin Guidry, and Brandin Echols and was named the third cornerback and starting nickelback on the depth chart under head coach Robert Saleh.
Carter made his regular season debut on September 12, 2021, against the Carolina Panthers and finished his rookie year with 72 combined tackles, five pass deflections, two fumble recoveries, and one sack in 15 games and seven starts. On January 2, 2022, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded his first career sack on quarterback Tom Brady for a five-yard loss. In 2022, he started six of 17 games, posted 63 combined tackles, nine pass deflections, and two interceptions, and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 73.5.
New York Jets Breakthrough (2022–2024)
In 2022, Carter secured his first career interception off a pass from Kenny Pickett to help seal a 24–20 win at the Pittsburgh Steelers. He added another interception later that season against the New England Patriots, demonstrating a growing comfort in coverage. His steady production in the slot helped stabilize the Jets’ secondary as rookies Sauce Gardner and D. J. Reed locked down the boundary spots.
Carter continued his development in 2023, recording 50 combined tackles and nine pass deflections across 15 games and seven starts while earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 80.4. On September 3, 2024, the Jets signed him to a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension that included $13.61 million guaranteed and a $6.00 million signing bonus, making him the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL at the time. He played 13 games in 2024, missing time due to a back injury, and finished with 24 combined tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2025–Present)
On October 29, 2025, the New York Jets traded Carter and a 2027 seventh-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round pick. The move gave Carter an opportunity to join one of the NFC’s most aggressive defensive schemes. The Eagles added him as a veteran nickelback with extensive experience in sub-package coverage.
Carter joined a Philadelphia defense looking to strengthen its slot coverage and tackle in space. His track record against the run and his experience playing inside at a high level made him a natural fit for the Eagles’ defensive plans heading into the back half of the 2025 season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carter is known for his physicality, tackling reliability, and instincts in zone coverage. He reads quarterbacks quickly, competes aggressively at the catch point, and has shown the versatility to line up both inside and outside. His leadership in the locker room and his comfort in big moments have made him a trusted defensive piece.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Carter recorded his first career interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 and his first career sack on Tom Brady during the 2021 season finale. His 2024 contract extension made him the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL, marking a significant financial milestone in his career.
Michael Carter II Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Michael Carter II has established himself as a productive slot cornerback rather than a high-volume ball-hawk. His value has consistently come through steady tackling, dependable coverage, and special teams contributions.
New York Jets Highlights
During his four seasons with the Jets, Carter appeared in 60 regular season games and made 21 starts. He totaled 209 combined tackles, 24 pass deflections, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one sack. He was a key contributor on defense and special teams throughout his time in New York.
Other Wins and Performances
Carter was rated as the 19th best cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2022 and the 12th best in 2023, reflecting two of his most productive professional seasons. His ability to perform consistently in the slot has been central to his reputation across the league.
Michael Carter II Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Michael Carter II grew up in Douglasville, Georgia, where his family supported his early athletic development. His football journey began locally before he earned a scholarship to Duke University and eventually reached the NFL.
Personal Life
Michael Carter II maintains an active presence off the field and continues to build his professional career in the NFL. Public information about his personal relationships remains limited.
2025 Season Performance
Michael Carter II began the 2025 season with the New York Jets, where he served as the starting nickelback in the early weeks. On September 3, 2024, he had signed a three-year extension that carried into the 2025 campaign, reinforcing his role in the secondary. After a 2–3 start, the Jets parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh during the early portion of the season, with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich taking over as interim head coach.
On October 29, 2025, Carter was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, joining a contender in the NFC and providing veteran depth at slot cornerback. The move positioned him for a late-season push with a team in playoff contention.
Carter’s outlook for the remainder of 2025 centers on integrating into the Eagles’ defensive scheme and contributing on both defense and special teams. His experience and consistency give him an opportunity to play a meaningful role in Philadelphia’s secondary during the stretch run.