The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into a pivotal offseason after falling short in their bid to defend their Super Bowl LIX title, bowing out in the Wild Card round. Now, with GM Howie Roseman at the controls, attention turns to reshaping the roster through free agency, the draft, and potential trades.
One name that’s quietly shaping up to be a key part of that conversation? Defensive back Michael Carter II.
Carter II’s Cap Hit vs. His Role: A Balancing Act
The Eagles currently have about $20 million in cap space to work with, according to OverTheCap. That number isn’t set in stone-it can grow with a few restructures or roster cuts. And that’s where Carter II’s future comes into focus.
Acquired from the Jets last October in a deal that sent John Metchie and a 2026 sixth-rounder to New York in exchange for Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round pick, the move was about adding depth and versatility to a banged-up secondary. Carter II brought value with his ability to line up at both corner and safety, but now the Eagles have to ask: is it worth keeping him on the books at $10.25 million per year for the next two seasons?
From a financial standpoint, the Eagles have an easy out. Releasing Carter II this offseason would cost just $1.38 million in dead money, while freeing up $8.8 million in cap space-money that could be used to address more pressing needs across the roster.
The Fit Just Isn’t There Right Now
Carter II’s skill set is best utilized in the slot, where his quickness and football IQ can shine. But that’s also where Cooper DeJean has made his mark-and DeJean isn’t going anywhere. The rookie was one of the Eagles’ most consistent defenders in 2025, and there’s no indication the coaching staff plans to move him out of that role.
Carter II does have the flexibility to play safety, but even that didn’t earn him snaps when injuries struck. When Andrew Mukuba went down with a fractured ankle late in the season, it was Marcus Epps-not Carter II-who got the call. That decision spoke volumes about where the coaching staff sees Carter II in the pecking order.
Since arriving in Philly, Carter II has logged just 109 defensive snaps-65 of those came in Week 18 when the starters were resting. In meaningful moments, he was largely a non-factor. With Vic Fangio returning as defensive coordinator, there’s little reason to believe that will change.
What the Eagles’ Secondary Could Look Like in 2026
Looking ahead, the Eagles’ secondary is starting to take shape. If Reed Blankenship is re-signed, he’ll likely start at safety alongside Mukuba.
If not, the Eagles will look outside-either through free agency or the draft-to find a replacement. DeJean is locked into the slot, and Quinyon Mitchell holds down one of the boundary spots.
The team is expected to prioritize finding another starting-caliber outside corner, and Carter II doesn’t quite fit that mold.
That’s not to say Carter II doesn’t bring value. He’s a smart, adaptable player who can fill multiple roles in a pinch. But for a team with championship aspirations and limited cap flexibility, paying over $10 million a year for a backup just doesn’t add up.
A Necessary Move Then, a Tough Decision Now
When the Eagles made the trade last fall, it made sense. The secondary was depleted, and Carter II was a stabilizing presence who could step in if needed. But now that the dust has settled, and the roster begins to take shape for 2026, Roseman and his front office have a decision to make.
Carter II is a quality depth piece, no question. But with his limited usage and hefty cap hit, his future in Philadelphia is very much up in the air. If the Eagles are going to retool and reload for another Super Bowl run, tough calls like this one are part of the process.