The Arizona Cardinals faced a tough season last year, particularly in their running back department. Injuries to both James Conner and Trey Benson left the team scrambling for solutions, pushing their depth to the limit and calling up players from the practice squad.
One of those key backups was Michael Carter, who stepped up when the team needed him most. As the season concluded, Carter entered free agency and has now inked a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, reuniting with his former coach, Robert Saleh.
Carter’s journey last year was anything but straightforward. Initially cut after training camp, he cleared waivers and rejoined the Cardinals on the practice squad. When Conner and Benson went down, Emari Demercado was promoted to the starting role, while Carter and Bam Knight filled the backup spots.
In the 2025 season, Carter showed his versatility and reliability, racking up 92 carries for 333 yards, converting 19 first downs, and scoring a touchdown. His receiving skills were equally impressive, with 33 receptions for 267 yards. His standout performance came in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons, where he posted 11 carries for 65 yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
Originally drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, Carter was a standout at North Carolina, earning First Team All-ACC honors. With Saleh, his former Jets coach, now at the helm in Tennessee, Carter’s signing marks a homecoming of sorts.
During his time with the Cardinals, starting in 2023, Carter was a fixture on the field, participating in 1,694 offensive snaps. There was speculation that Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort might bring Carter back after his solid performance last year.
However, with Demercado signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Cardinals opted to shake things up by signing Tyler Allgeier, a starting-caliber back, and re-signing Knight for depth. Meanwhile, Conner and Benson are on track to return for training camp following their rehab.
Carter’s move to the Titans offers him a fresh start and a chance to contribute under a familiar coach, while the Cardinals look to revamp their backfield for the upcoming season.