Sep 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II (30) is tackled by Denver Broncos center Luke Wattenberg (60) after recovering a fumble during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

A now former Jets player just made shocking decision to ensure he could be traded out of New York as soon as possible

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 6:59 PM ET

The New York Jets are once again active on the trade market. This time, they're trading away a player who they gave a notable contract extension to in 2024. The trade took some help from the player as well, though.

The Jets are sending slot CB Michael Carter and a 2027 7th-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for WR John Metchie and a 2027 sixth-round pick. In order to facilitate this trade, Carter made a bold move regarding his current deal.

Michael Carter II takes significant pay cut to get traded from Jets to Eagles

According to Ian Rapoport, the veteran cornerback deleted the $5 million guaranteed for injury in his 2026 contract year in order to get the deal done between Philadelphia and New York. Carter clearly wanted out and to join a contender at the same time.

Here's how badly Michael Carter II wanted to join the champs: Sources say he agreed to delete the $5M guaranteed for injury in his 2026 contract year to complete the trade to the #Eagles. https://t.co/7C7qbpz3UW
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2025

That's an incredibly notable decision from Carter, who has spent his entire career so far with the Jets. We rarely see players later their contract that much just to get dealt to another team. Now, he heads to one of the top teams in the NFC and the reigning Super Bowl champions.

Keep in mind that Carter has impressed over the course of his pro career and earned that pricey extension just a calendar year ago. His talent can play a key role in the success of the secondary in Philly going forward, and he immediately upgrades the cornerback depth on the roster. That's been a concern since the start of the season for the Eagles. Now, it may actually be a strength to a point.

In five games this season, the cornerback has recorded two passes defended and 14 tackles. Carter has made 25 starts so far in his NFL career and figures to be an impactful defensive piece for the Eagles' future.

Michael Carter II in his career:

5 seasons
3 TDs allowed

Your newest Philadelphia Eagle pic.twitter.com/jiaRegSj79
— PFF (@PFF) October 29, 2025

We will see how the Jets secondary adjusts as well going forward. Jarvis Brownlee Jr., could take over as the top option in the slot for NYJ, as he has made some major plays over the past couple of weeks since being acquired from the Tennessee Titans.

Additionally, it will be interesting to see how Aaron Glenn addresses that room in the offseason between the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The Jets just earned their first win of the season in Week 8, so the rest of this season figures to be a grind for him and his staff.

More trades to acquire draft capital could also be on the horizon for New York ahead of the league's deadline in the first week of November.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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