Eagles Trade for Jets Cornerback Michael Carter II Ahead of NFL Deadline — Howie Roseman Strikes Again
With less than a week before the November 4 NFL trade deadline, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has made another trademark move — a quiet but potentially impactful trade designed to shore up one of the team’s most pressing needs.
The Eagles have acquired cornerback Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the New York Jets in exchange for wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round pick. It’s not the blockbuster deal that grabs national headlines, but it’s the kind of smart, calculated transaction that has become Roseman’s specialty.
The move gives the Eagles much-needed depth and flexibility in the secondary — an area that’s been inconsistent all season — while only costing the team a fringe receiver and a late-round swap.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move
Carter, 26, isn’t a household name, but he brings valuable NFL experience and versatility. A fifth-round pick out of Duke in the 2021 NFL Draft, Carter was selected by former Jets GM Joe Douglas — who, ironically, now works alongside Roseman in Philadelphia’s front office.
Over his four-and-a-half seasons with the Jets, Carter appeared in 65 games and made 25 career starts, racking up two interceptions, 26 passes defensed, and a reputation as a scrappy, intelligent defender capable of playing multiple roles.
He’s primarily lined up in the slot corner position throughout his career, though he has some experience on the boundary and even as a box defender. According to Pro Football Focus, his snap distribution underscores his versatility:
- 2021: 614 snaps in the slot
- 2022: 662 in the slot
- 2023: 571 in the slot
- 2024: 252 in the slot
- 2025 (so far): 113 in the slot
That positional flexibility will be critical for the Eagles, whose secondary has been a revolving door since the start of the 2025 season.
Filling a Need in an Unsteady Secondary
There’s no question that Philadelphia’s defense has underperformed compared to expectations. While the front seven remains one of the NFL’s most dominant, the cornerback position has been a concern since Week 1.
The CB2 role, opposite breakout star rookie Quinyon Mitchell, has been particularly unstable. Veterans Adoree’ Jackson, Jakorian Bennett, and Kelee Ringo have all been given opportunities but none have truly locked down the job.
That instability has forced defensive coordinator Vic Fangio to get creative — at times moving promising rookie Cooper DeJean between the slot and the outside, which has disrupted continuity.
Carter’s arrival could help solve that puzzle.
“Carter gives Fangio another chess piece,” one league source told NBC Sports Philadelphia. “He’s quick, technically sound, and comfortable inside. That allows the Eagles to keep DeJean outside more often, where his size and instincts make a bigger impact.”
If all goes according to plan, Carter could immediately step into the nickel corner role, solidifying a rotation that has struggled to find balance.
Howie Roseman’s Deadline Strategy
In typical Howie Roseman fashion, the Eagles managed to improve their roster without making a splashy or costly move.
Trading for Carter fits Roseman’s long-standing philosophy: target players with starting experience, affordable contracts, and untapped potential who can be coached up in Philadelphia’s system.
Carter is signed through 2027, giving the Eagles long-term depth at a position that has seen frequent turnover. He’s also still young enough to grow within Fangio’s defense — a crucial factor as the Eagles continue to balance a win-now mindset with sustainable roster building.
Roseman’s ability to identify underappreciated assets is what separates him from most GMs. Whether it’s signing undervalued veterans like Haason Reddick, trading for stars like A.J. Brown, or making mid-season additions like Kevin Byard last year, Roseman has built a reputation for maximizing value at the margins.
“You don’t win championships in July,” Roseman said earlier this season. “You build them by making the right decisions in October and November.”
Once again, he’s staying true to that principle.
The Cost: Minimal, the Upside: Significant
In exchange for Carter, the Eagles sent wide receiver John Metchie III to the Jets — a minor but notable move. Metchie, whom Philadelphia had acquired in mid-August, never found his footing on the roster.
With Darius Cooper returning from injured reserve and Xavier Gipson earning more snaps, Metchie had slipped to WR5 on the depth chart. Moving him clears space while bringing in help where it’s actually needed.
“It’s one of those classic win-win trades,” Bleeding Green Nation editor Brandon Gowton noted. “The Eagles didn’t give up a starter, they swapped late picks, and they got a player who fills a real need. That’s Howie at his best.”
Indeed, it’s a small move that makes sense for both teams. The Jets, retooling their roster, gain a young receiver with upside, while the Eagles bolster a position of weakness without sacrificing premium assets.
How Carter Fits in Fangio’s Scheme
Fangio’s defense relies heavily on communication and zone integrity, demanding corners who can read plays quickly and tackle in space — two areas where Carter excels.
During his time with the Jets, Carter was praised for his football IQ, discipline, and leadership. Though not the biggest corner (5’10”, 190 lbs), he compensates with strong tackling fundamentals and anticipation.
“He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable,” said former Jets safety Jordan Whitehead. “He knows where to be, and that’s why coaches trust him.”
Carter’s coverage numbers this season haven’t been stellar — opponents have posted a 109.7 passer rating when targeting him — but that’s partly a product of the Jets’ defensive breakdowns and lack of pass rush. In Philadelphia, with Jalen Carter, Josh Sweat, and Haason Reddick collapsing pockets, Carter could thrive in a reduced-pressure environment.
If Fangio can unlock his potential, the Eagles might have just found the dependable nickel defender they’ve been missing since Avonte Maddox’s departure.
What It Means Going Forward
Carter’s arrival gives the Eagles depth, flexibility, and perhaps most importantly — options.
He can play inside while DeJean stays outside, rotate in coverage packages, or even serve as insurance in case of injury. And given his contract length, he’s more than just a short-term rental; he’s part of the Eagles’ future.
This move also reflects Roseman’s confidence in his roster-building approach. The Eagles didn’t panic after early defensive struggles. Instead, they found a steady, cost-effective solution — exactly what championship-caliber teams do.
“Howie always says it: You can never have enough corners,” Fangio told reporters after practice. “Michael’s a guy who can help us right away. He’s smart, he’s tough, and he plays the game the right way.”
Final Take
The Eagles’ trade for Michael Carter II won’t dominate the sports talk shows or light up social media — but it’s precisely the kind of under-the-radar move that wins games in December and January.
It’s a reminder that in the NFL, it’s not always the flashiest trades that matter most — it’s the smart ones.
Howie Roseman knows that better than anyone.
And as the Birds continue their march toward another deep postseason run, this latest move might just prove to be another quiet masterstroke from one of the league’s savviest GMs.