In January 2021, when Robert Saleh was introduced as the New York Jets head coach, he said that it was the coaches’ job to help players “make enough plays on Sundays for them to get paid as much as possible”.
Earlier tonight the New York Jets extended cornerback Michael Carter II, guaranteeing him $19m as part of a three-year, $30.75m agreement. He’s now slated to be the highest paid nickel in the league next season and the first player acquired by GM Joe Douglas to live up to that credo. But there’s a long line behind him.
Carter II was a 5th round draft pick in 2021, taken 140 picks after RG Alijah Vera-Tucker. When healthy, Tucker has played at a Pro Bowl level. If he stays upright this season, he is sure to cash in on a new deal next summer. Then there’s the core 4 drafted in 2022 (Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson and Breece Hall), plus blossoming star Quincy Williams. Signing that young group will be essential for Douglas moving forward, but it will also limit his resources to keep the veterans that he’s acquired to make a run in 2024.
Take DJ Reed’s situation. He knows that Gardner is on path to becoming the highest paid corner, and Carter II is already the highest paid nickel. The writing is on the wall that he’s not going to be a Jet in 2025. But that’s an eternity in the NFL. He also knows he’s playing on one of the most talented teams in the league, with a chance to go out and “make plays on Sunday”.
Remember, Saleh promised to get his players paid, but the cap is not unlimited. Some will get paid elsewhere and that’s ok. That’s what happens IF you win.
