The New York Jets recently signed running back Dalvin Cook and activated Breece Hall from the Physically Unable to Perform list. This leaves third-year running back Michael Carter buried on the depth chart and a likely trade candidate.
While Carter is no superstar, he has made 21 starts over the past two seasons and is capable of being a valuable part of a running back committee. Several teams should be interested in sending off a late-round pick for his services, but these five teams make the most sense.
Michael Carter Film Breakdown!
The Jets might have signed Dalvin Cook but MC was back to his best against the Panthers.
Change of direction, wiggle, making the first defender miss
@Playlikeajet1 @8kMike #Jets
: https://t.co/jDlwvVr3ed pic.twitter.com/nXLkcsS7i8
— Luke Grant (@LukeGrant7) August 16, 2023
5 Teams That Should Trade For Michael Carter
Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl champions have Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, so they’re always going to be the team to beat in the NFL. However, they could use some serious help at running back. Isiah Pacheco is a fine early-down running back, but he doesn’t offer much of anything in the receiving game. Jerick McKinnon had a solid season last year, but he’s entering his age-31 season and isn’t exactly a spring chicken. Michael Carter has hauled in 77 receptions over the past two seasons, and with two years left on his rookie contract, could be Kansas City’s long-term answer as a receiving back.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals need a lot of help at just about every position, and running back is no exception. James Conner is not getting any younger, and the rebuilding Cardinals should try to look for a younger player that could be a future building block. Michael Carter is not an ideal three-down starter, but the team could trade for him to be a valuable part of a committee. Conner’s long injury history shows that he’s better off splitting carries, and Carter will help ease his workload.
Dallas Cowboys
Fresh off his first 1,000-yard season, Tony Pollard is the unquestioned starter in Dallas, but he could use a better backup. Ronald Jones is unremarkable at best and is set to serve a suspension, Malik Davis is a career journeyman, and while Deuce Vaughn has shown some signs of life, you never want to place too much faith in a rookie seventh-round pick. Michael Carter would easily be the second-best running back on this depth chart, and that alone should be enough to justify a late-round trade for the contending Cowboys.
Los Angeles Chargers
Much like the Dallas Cowboys, the Los Angeles Chargers have a proven stud in Austin Ekeler and absolutely nothing behind him. Joshua Kelly and Isaiah Spiller have both disappointed with their limited touches, and Elijah Dotson is too unproven to earn a major role this early in the season. Given the Chargers’ propensity for throwing to the running back combined with Austin Ekeler’s impending free agency, a Michael Carter trade makes all the sense in the world.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is only going to serve a three-game suspension, but the New Orleans Saints could still use some more running back depth. Kendre Miller didn’t exactly impress during his preseason debut, and Jamaal Williams is much better as a runner than a receiver. Michael Carter could be a nice third-down asset for this team and could be a valauble part of the offense even when Kamara returns from his suspension.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
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