The New York Jets are coming off an impressive 39-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and during the game, despite the team's struggles on defense, there were some positives to take away on that side of the ball.
As Justin Fried of Fansided pointed out, Brandon Stephens continued to show promise after a rough initial start with the Jets. Add on Jarvis Brownlee showing up for the Jets, and the cornerback room looks strong in New York. Once Sauce Gardner comes back, that trio will be one of the best cornerback rooms in the NFL.
But what their play also means is that a clear trade candidate emerges for the Jets. With Gardner, Brownlee, and Stephens being the main three corners, that leaves Michael Carter II without a role. Instead of holding onto him, trading the 26-year-old makes the most sense for the Jets.
Why Jets' Michael Carter II should be Darren Mougey's top trade chip this deadline
Carter is a fifth-year veteran, and he's spent the entire try of his career with the Jets. He's made four starts in five games for the Jets this season, recording two passes defended, 14 tackles, including one tackle for loss.
But, in coverage, Carter has allowed a 109.7 passer rating, the worst of his career so far. While targeted only 12 times, Carter allowed eight receptions for 156 yards. It's not a bad year, but by his standards, it's below where he's been for most of his career.
Carter signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension with the Jets through the 2027 season, and will be under team control for the next 2.5 years. The Jets trading away a non-rental might be a surprising move, but in this case, it makes a lot of sense.
If the Jets were to keep Carter, he'd become a free agent after the 2027 season. But he's not the only cornerback to become a free agent after 2027. Brownlee, Stephens, and Qwan'Tez Stiggers are all free agents after 2027.
With Stephens playing well, and Brownlee coming into his own, along with Gardner coming back from injury after the bye week, the Jets' moving on from Carter is a move that makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.
Brandon Stephens is the HIGHEST-graded CB in the entire NFL by PFF since Week 4 (min. 150 snaps).
His 82.2 grade ranks 1st among 72 qualifiers over the last 5 weeks. 82.9 PFF coverage grade ranks 2nd.
Remarkable turnaround for the #Jets big free agent signing. He’s balling.
— Justin Fried (@JustinTFried) October 27, 2025
Trading away Carter, with his 2.5 years of control, wouldn't hurt the Jets in the short or long term. He dealt with a concussion for part of the year, but he's healthy now, and a very reasonable trade target for the Jets to move on from.
It's not just Stephens, Gardner, and Brownlee in the cornerback room for the Jets either, as rookie Azareye'h Thomas could also be a factor for the Jets in the future.
Between Carter, Thomas, Stephens, Brownlee, Stiggers, and Gardner, the Jets have a very deep cornerback room. Trading away one player makes a lot of sense, and Carter is the most obvious trade chip for Mougey and the Jets.
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For the other trade candidates, Breece Hall has only Isiah Davis behind him, while Quinnen Williams and Jermaine Johnson aren't likely to go anywhere. While Allen Lazard could be dealt, the Jets might not find a suitable trade partner interested in Lazard.
But for Carter, there are plenty of teams looking for cornerback help, and a veteran with 25 career starts and 65 games played across five seasons, on a reasonable contract for the next 2.5 years, is a player that would certainly fetch a solid return for the Jets.
Carter is the most likely trade chip on the Jets roster. Between the strong depth at the position, the rumors mentioning Carter already, and the emergence of Brownlee and Stephens as good starters, the fifth-year Jets cornerback is likely the player the Jets are most willing to trade away among their top candidates this season.
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