Eagles commerce John Metchie III to Jets for Michael Carter II

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles traded for some much-needed cornerback assist Wednesday, buying Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round draft decide from the New York Jets for vast receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round decide.

The Eagles have two standout younger corners in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean however have struggled to land on a 3rd contributor, with Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo producing blended outcomes on the outdoors nook spot reverse Mitchell.

Philadelphia acquired Jakorian Bennett from the Las Vegas Raiders in August, however he has been sidelined for almost all of the season due to a pectoral damage.

Carter, a fifth-round decide in 2021, turned the NFL's highest-paid slot nook in 2024 when he signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension. He is beneath contract by 2027 for $20.3 million, however solely $2.7 million is assured — his remaining base wage this season ($1.3 million) and a partial assure in 2026 ($1.4 million). An extra $4 million will turn into assured if he is on a roster subsequent March.

To facilitate the commerce, Carter eliminated his $5 million damage assure for 2026, a supply informed ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

It is unclear whether or not the Jets absorbed any of the cash to facilitate the commerce.

As soon as thought of an ascending participant, Carter has battled accidents up to now two seasons. He missed 4 video games final season due to a again damage, and he has missed three this yr due to a concussion. He returned Sunday in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals however performed solely six snaps on protection. He was changed by the just lately acquired Jarvis Brownlee Jr., who rapidly turned a favourite among the many Jets coaches.

Carter is thought extra for his move protection than his run protection, though he has solely two interceptions and 26 passes defensed in 65 video games. He additionally has 10 tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries. The coaches most popular Brownlee partly as a result of they thought of him extra bodily as a tackler.

Eagles senior personnel director Joe Douglas was the Jets' common supervisor when New York drafted Carter.

DeJean has been enjoying base snaps on the surface however in sub packages has been moved to the nickel spot, the place he has thrived.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was requested in regards to the prospect of transferring DeJean outdoors full time — a transfer that is likely to be forthcoming as a result of Carter has performed nearly completely within the slot.

“We thought of it, however when you've got one of many higher gamers at a sure place — and it is an vital place the place you become involved extra — you hate to take a extremely good participant at one place to possibly not be nearly as good of a participant or impactful of a participant at one other place,” Fangio mentioned. “Nevertheless it's undoubtedly one thing that we have talked about.”

The Eagles acquired Metchie and a 2026 sixth-round decide from the Houston Texans in a mid-August commerce for tight finish Harrison Bryant and a fifth-round decide in 2026. Metchie has 4 catches for 18 yards this season as a part of a receiver group led by A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson.

Metchie, within the last yr of his contract, will be a part of a patchwork Jets receiving corps.

Except for Garrett Wilson, who has missed the previous two video games due to a knee damage, New York has largely unproven younger gamers and older veterans. Starter Josh Reynolds (hip) was positioned on injured reserve final week, so the Jets wanted an skilled participant.

The deal additionally might sign the tip for Jets veteran receiver Allen Lazard, whose identify has come up in commerce talks.