Will the Jets Release Michael Carter? Fantasy Football Outlook

What does the Jets' crowded backfield look like? Will the Jets release Michael Carter before the regular season? Andersen Pickard answers these questions in his latest 2023 fantasy football outlook.

There is just one week left in the preseason, which means all 32 NFL teams must prepare to trim their rosters down to 53 players. This isn't an easy process, nor is it straightforward. Every team has to consider a wide variety of factors (such as age, depth, contracts, and much more) when making these difficult decisions.

The New York Jets are no exception. They will have to take a close look at their backfield and decide whether running back Michael Carter deserves to be on the roster for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

What does the Jets' backfield look like? Will the Jets release Michael Carter? Would a potential move have fantasy football implications? Let's dive in.

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What Does The Jets' Backfield Look Like?

The Jets' backfield is suddenly quite crowded following the signing of Dalvin Cook. With Cook in tow, New York was able to take its already impressive running back room to a whole new level.

Atop the depth chart, Cook will complement Breece Hall, who is recovering from a torn ACL that preemptively ended his rookie campaign last year. The Jets also have Carter (a 2021 second-round pick), Zonovan Knight (who impressed when called upon in 2023), and Israel Abanikanda (a rookie).

Will The Jets Release Michael Carter?

Too much depth can be a good problem to have. With a deep backfield, the Jets are prepared in the event of an injury and enter the end of August as an intriguing team to watch on the trade market. It also creates a headache because the Jets likely can't and won't carry more than four running backs on their roster.

Cook and Hall are highly-regarded stars and will make the roster, no questions asked. The Jets are also expected to keep Abanikanda because he's a promising rookie and cost the Jets a fifth-round pick. That leaves just Carter and Knight.

While Knight managed an impressive 298 scrimmage yards and one touchdown from Weeks 12 to 14 last year, he lacks the pass-catching prowess that Carter offers, which is a very valuable trait for depth running backs to possess. Carter totaled 325 receiving yards as a rookie in 2022 and has 99 targets through just two seasons in the league. Don't forget that Carter also has draft capital attached to him while Knight does not; the Jets' regime will likely be more hesitant to cut bait on a second-rounder than an undrafted player.

Ultimately, if the Jets are forced to release Carter or Knight, they'll likely part with the latter. However, there is also the possibility of a trade, in which case trading Carter might land a higher return package and benefit the Jets as they look to accrue future draft picks. If a running back is traded, Carter is a hot name to watch.

Fantasy Football Impact

Since Carter is fourth on the Jets' depth chart (or fifth if they prefer Knight), his path to meaningful production in New York is truly an uphill battle. His best chance at earning touches would come from being cut or traded, but even then, he won't occupy anything more than a backup role.

Right now, Carter should be avoided in redraft leagues and is nothing more than a deep bench stash in dynasty formats. If you're in a more shallow dynasty league (especially one that doesn't reward pass-catching backs), you should feel comfortable moving on from Carter.

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