Eagles Bolster secondary with trade for Michael Carter II
Flip WR John Metchie III to Jets
From The Morning Call: https://tinyurl.com/mmp676an
PHILADELPHIA — During the Eagles’ bye week with the trade clock ticking fast, Howie Roseman has struck again.
Days before the NFL’s Nov. 4 trade deadline, the Eagles general manager addressed one of his roster’s few weak points by acquiring cornerback Michael Carter II from the New York Jets in exchange for wide receiver John Metchie III and a late-round pick swap, the team confirmed late Wednesday.
In the Roman numeral swap, the Eagles sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to New York for a 2027 seventh-round selection.
The Eagles have a glaring need at the second outside corner spot, opposite Quinyon Mitchell. It has been a problem since camp.
But Carter isn’t a quintessential outside corner. He’s used to playing nickel, a spot currently occupied by Cooper DeJean, who is one of the best in the league. But Carter adds overall depth and flexibility to a CB room that includes Jakorian Bennett, Adoree’ Jackson and Kelee Ringo. It could mean DeJean to slides outside more often.
Carter, 26, also has experience at safety, where rookie Drew Mukuba has been up-and-down despite some electric flashes.
The move reconnects Carter with Joe Douglas, the former Jets general manager who drafted him in the fifth round in 2021 (and gave him an extension in 2024). Douglas rejoined Philadelphia’s front office this offseason after working with Roseman from 2016-19 and helping construct the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII roster.
Carter (5-10, 184) is a Duke alumnus who logged 223 career tackles with the Jets, along with two interceptions and three fumble recoveries in 65 games (25 starts). This season, he appeared in five games around time missed due to a concussion, registering 14 tackles.
He is viewed around the league as smart, tough, physical, good in man coverage and ideal in the slot, with 4.3 speed and solid starting potential. But he’s had some durability issues. It would be safe to assume Roseman will make more moves.
Metchie, who played with Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith at Alabama and overcame leukemia in 2022, was only in Philadelphia for two months after an August trade with Houston to add depth to the receiver room and return game.
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Follow Christiaan DeFranco on X at @the_defranc.