RB Michael Carter gets claimed off waivers by the Cardinals following Jets exit

Michael Carter was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

RB Michael Carter gets claimed off waivers by the Cardinals following Jets exit

Michael Carter (via San Diego Union-Tribune)

The New York Jets are 4-5 through ten weeks this season. Their season is at a critical juncture and with their starting QB out with an Achilles injury, the Jets’ season is on the verge of exploding. Having recognized the moment, the Jets’ players called for a players-only meeting on Tuesday. The result of that meeting might have surprised a lot of people as the Jets decided to release their running back, Michael Carter.

Carter was released just a few hours after the team held their players-only meeting. Tackle Mekhi Becton shared a tweet that read, “This one hurts the most. I can’t even lie.” The third-year running back was drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He found himself fighting for playing time behind the likes of Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook this season. However, Carter has now been snagged up by the Arizona Cardinals as they claimed him off waivers.

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The Cardinals are in a rebuild as they played the first half of the season without their franchise QB Kyler Murray. They have a record of 2-8. However, Murray made his season debut in the Cardinals’ last game against the Atlanta Falcons. The addition of Carter to the roster will give a boost to the Cardinals’ offense. They already have three rushers in their 53-man roster and Carter’s addition will give them a lot of depth.

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The Cardinals won their last game against the Falcons, 25-23. It was only their second win, but they will hope to build on it in the second half of the season. With Murray back in as the team’s starter they will hope to win their next game against the Houston Texans.

Robert Saleh talks about Michael Carter’s release from the Jets

The New York Jets decided to release their third-year running back Michael Carter following a players-only meeting on Tuesday. Carter slipped to RB3 this season behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh talked about Carter and his release from the team.

Michael Carter (L) and Robert Saleh (R)
Michael Carter (L – via ESPN) and Robert Saleh (R – via ESPN)

Saleh said:

I think everyone recognizes how great of a teammate he’s been over the last couple of years. I really appreciate all the things that he’s done. It came down, one, just want to give Izzy an opportunity. He’s a good young back and we felt like it wouldn’t be fair for Michael to just sit there and rot on the bench and ask him to be a great teammate and all that stuff.

Carter had a great rookie season, rushing for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns along with 36 receptions for 325 yards. In 2022, Carter rushed for 402 yards and three touchdowns, whereas catching 41 passes for 288 yards. So far this season, Carter could only manage eight carries for 38 yards and 15 catches for 68 yards with the Jets.

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