The New York Jets travel to Levi’s Stadium to play against the defending NFC Champions, the San Francisco 49ers, on Monday night for their season opener. Both teams have played each other 14 times, as the 49ers have won 11 games while the Jets have won three. The over/under is set at 43.5 points, while the 49ers are favored by 3.5.
The Jets hope to prevent a repeat of their disastrous 2023 season, in which they finished with a 7-10 record. Their offense couldn’t recover after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on the fourth snap of Week 1. However, their defense maintained their elite status, finishing in the top 12 in points, total yards, takeaways, and passing.
One of the key contributors to their elite pass defense entered the final year of his contract.
The New York Jets cornerback entered the final year of his contract
Michael Carter II entered the final year of his 4-year, $3,808,927 rookie contract he signed during the 2021 offseason. Carter has a base salary of $3.366 million and a cap hit of $3,448,232 for 2024, per Over The Cap. He is eligible for a contract extension since he completed his third year in the NFL.
Carter is coming off an incredible 2023 campaign where he posted a career-high PFF grade. He recorded 50 tackles, nine pass deflections, one forced fumble, an 83.3 coverage grade, a 73.3 tackling grade, and an 80.4 PFF grade. He allowed 32 receptions on 62 targets for 299 yards, one touchdown, and a 70.6 passer rating in coverage.
He is now the highest-paid player in his respective position.
The New York Jets extended their talented slot cornerback
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Jets signed Carter to a 3-year, $30.75 million contract extension worth up to $33 million, with over $19 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL.
The #Jets and CB Michael Carter II agreed to terms on a three-year, $30.75 million extension that can be worth up to $33M, with slightly over $19M in total guarantees. Carter is now the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL.
Deal done by Kelton Crenshaw of Klutch Sports Group. pic.twitter.com/NpLPrhCoPB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 3, 2024
NFL fans react to the signing
Jets restructure some studs
Paid MC2
Love it
Now get Reddick
— 𝕵𝖔𝖊𝖞𝕵𝖊𝖙𝖘 (@JetsAGNB) September 3, 2024
Best nickel in the league
— bsmokes.eth (@BSmokes_) September 3, 2024
Good signing. Underrated
— Jay (@jay2breezayy) September 3, 2024
Just a reminder that Michael Carter II ranked 1st among slot CBs in just about every category last season
SO glad this got done
Staying with the #Jets, where he belongs 🤝 pic.twitter.com/JgoBVkH1TY
— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) September 3, 2024
