The Philadelphia Eagles weren't able to defend their Super Bowl LIX title, as they were sent home in the wild-card round. GM Howie Roseman will have free agency, the NFL draft, and the trade market to make the needed changes to Philadelphia's roster.
The Eagles will have some wiggle room, with them having $20 million in cap space to work with, per OvertheCap. That number can increase with some contract restructuring and outright roster cuts, which brings Michael Carter II into the conversation.
Last October, the Eagles acquired Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round pick from the New York Jets for John Metchie and a 2026 sixth-round pick. That was a move that was needed at the time for depth. Carter II also added versatility thanks to his ability to play both corner and safety. What the Eagles decide to do with him moving forward, though, will be interesting, as he carries a $10.25 million cap hit the next two seasons. But will the Eagles want to pay that much for a backup?
Eagles Have Big Decision to Make Around Michael Carter II
Carter II is on the books for the 2027 season at $10.25 million. The Eagles would be able to get out of the deal fairly easily, though. If Philadelphia cut the defender this offseason, they would only face a $1.38 million dead cap hit, creating $8.8 million in cap space.
Carter II's best position comes in the slot due to his smaller frame (5'11", 184 pounds), but that's where Cooper DeJean plays his best ball. It doesn't appear that Philadelphia will move him out of that spot, and although Carter II can play safety, the Eagles didn't even trot him out there when Andrew Mukuba went down for the year with a fractured ankle. Instead, they played Marcus Epps.
Since joining the team, Carter II has played 109 defensive snaps, 65 of them coming in Week 18 when the Eagles rested all their starters. He was used sparingly, and there's little reason to think that will change, considering Vic Fangio will be back as the defensive coordinator.
Reed Blankenship is set to hit free agency, but if Philadelphia brings him back, the likely starting safety duo will be him and Mukuba. If not, they would seek a replacement via free agency or the NFL draft. DeJean will stick in the slot with Quinyon Mitchell on the outside. Philadelphia will make it its mission to find another boundary corner, and Carter II doesn't fit the mold of what they'll be looking for.
Carter II is a very intelligent player who can play different positions, but at this price point, it may not be worth the squeeze for this team. At the time of the trade, it was a necessary move to help stabilize a unit that had been battered. The defender is a nice depth piece in the secondary, but Roseman and his staff have some tough decisions to make around his future with the team.