With free agency now a little over a week away from starting, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to weigh out their options on what they can do to improve the roster.
The first thing the Eagles need to do is create some much-needed cap space, as they have $13.7 million entering the offseason and might have to look at their own roster first to start cutting players. Pro Football Focus writer Thomas Valentine named a cut candidate for each team, with the Eagles' being cornerback Michael Carter II.
"The Eagles enter the offseason with notable doubts, but Howie Roseman and the front office always find a way to make things work out. Cutting Michael Carter II is an easy way to free up some cap space. The former fifth-round pick was traded to the Eagles, from the Jets, at the 2025 trade deadline, but only played meaningful snaps on defense in two games, compiling a 78.9 PFF grade.
Help is needed in the secondary, and Carter playing more frequently could provide some assurances on that end, but the Eagles would save $8.7 million if they were to move on from Carter. There aren’t many other avenues for them to create cap space outside of restructures."
Michael Carter II's release is simplest solution for Eagles
Carter was basically non-existent after the Eagles traded for him midway through the season. He racked up 10 tackles and played just 20% of the defensive snaps in eight games with the franchise.
The reason Carter was originally brought in by the Eagles was to add depth to the corner position and was seen as a potential option at safety. He ended up being more of a special teams player, with his only real action on defense coming in Week 12 against the Dallas Cowboys, when he played in the slot while Cooper DeJean moved to the outside.
Philly needs to create cap space as they prepare to re-sign edge rusher Jaelan Phillips for what could be an estimated $17.3 million per year deal. They are also reportedly looking at locking up defensive tackles Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter on long-term deals this offseason as well.
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Carter was a clear panic move by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman after the struggles of Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo at CB2. That move did not pay off for them, and now they need to make the move all Eagles fans are expecting to happen this offseason: cut Carter from the team.