The Philadelphia Eagles and Michael Carter II have agreed to a “renegotiated contract” that will keep the 27-year-old defensive back in Philly this season, according to a report from PHLY’s EJ Smith.
This news was first noted by Will Parkinson (although it is inaccurately stated that Carter was cut, which he wasn’t):
Entering the new league year, Carter stood out as an obvious cut candidate since he was scheduled to carry a $10.1 million cap number in 2026. The Eagles were in a position to release him to clear over $8.7 million in cap space.
It makes sense, then, that the two sides came together to work something out to avoid Carter being cut. The exact terms of his new deal have yet to be confirmed.
The Eagles originally acquired Carter (plus a 2027 seventh-round pick) ahead of the 2025 NFL trade deadline by sending wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets. Carter ended up playing 109 defensive snaps (65 of which came in Week 18 with the Eagles resting starters) and 75 special teams snaps in nine games with the Birds. He was effectively the 2025 version of 2024 Avonte Maddox as a depth option at both nickel cornerback and safety. He was also the extra defensive back on the field in the Eagles’ seldom-used dime packages.
Carter making the Eagles’ 2026 roster doesn’t currently seem like a lock but there’s potential for him to be an experienced backup option. If the Eagles struggle to find a starting caliber outside cornerback, they could move Cooper DeJean to the outside and start Carter in the slot … but I doubt such a scenario is their preference. Carter could potentially compete for the starting safety job, depending on how the Eagles handle that position. Not ideal if he ends up being the top candidate there to replace Reed Blankenship.
Regardless of exactly how it shakes out, bringing Carter back at a reduced rate is a totally acceptable move.
