When Michael Carter rushed for 1,245 yards during UNC’s COVID-altered, 2020 season, the expectation was that he’d become a reliable NFL starter.
After the New York Jets took Carter in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he rewarded them with four rushing touchdowns and 639 rushing yards, fourth among rookies. New York then made a head-scratching decision to select running back Breece Hall in the 2022 NFL Draft, but Carter still produced with 400+ yards and three scores.
Carter saw more regular playing time in the latter half of 2022, as Hall went down with a torn ACL. When Hall came back this year, combined with the signing of 4-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook, Carter became expendable.
Unfortunately for Carter, his time in the Meadowlands came to an end on Tuesday afternoon, as the Jets released him into the free agent pool.
Jets release RB Michael Carter, a 2021 fourth-round pick https://t.co/DZSySH0gMW pic.twitter.com/b7SD9gg7Mh
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) November 14, 2023
This move wouldn’t have made sense last year. You just don’t simply move on from your leading rushing a year ago, especially if there is no other starting-caliber back on your roster.
Add in Pitt rookie Israel Abanikanda to the crowded running back room – Carter was expendable. With just 106 scrimmage yards through 10 games, Carter’s slip in production made him an easier release target, too.
Carter currently sits eighth all-time among single-season rushing yardage leaders in UNC history, but the Tar Heels’ current starter, Omarion Hampton, will likely pass that mark on Saturday against Clemson.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.