Tag: Michael Carter

Cardinals signed RB Michael Carter through 2025

When Carter was signed from the practice squad to the active roster in Week 18, he was given a deal through 2025.

Running back Michael Carter was signed from the practice squad to the active roster by the Arizona Cardinals the final week of the 2024 season. They quietly made sure he did not become a free agent after the season.

When they signed him to the active roster, they gave him a two-year deal, meaning he is signed through 2025.

Such a move is common for players who have less than three seasons in the NFL because teams retain exclusive rights to players with less than three credited seasons anyway.

But Carter already had three credited seasons.

Because he spent nearly the entire season on the practice squad and was on the Cardinals’ active roster only two games in 2024, he did not earn a credited year for free agency. So had he been signed for simply the remainder of the season, he would have been a restricted free agent in March with the beginning of the new league year and eligible for a qualifying tender.

Instead of that, he agreed to a contract that extended through the 2025 season. According to Over the Cap, he was given a $100,000 signing bonus and can earn a $50,000 workout bonus this offseason. He will make the league minimum $1.17 million in salary in 2025 if he makes the final roster. He earned three game checks ($58,611 each) and then got $100,000 to sign, after earning practice squad money for 15 weeks.

Carter played the final three games of the season, twice as a practice squad elevation and the final game after having signed his contract.

He rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 3.7 yards per attempt and caught 11 passes for 57 yards.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon spoke highly of Carter in the role that he had all season, a capable NFL running back who didn’t get any game action until late December.

“He’s got really good character and he is a team-first guy,” Gannon said of Carter. “I know every day that you go through, I’m sure you don’t like certain things, but it’s kind of how you respond to it. That’s a guy who loves to play football. His role being where he was at this year, I thought he took it in stride and he maximized his role. I’m grateful we have him. He’s a really good teammate. He’s a competitor, so if he can put the helmet on, he wants to put the helmet on.”

So we can expect Carter being at offseason workouts and can count on watching him in training camp and the preseason in the summer.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

RB Michael Carter signed to active roster as James Conner placed on IR

Conner’s season ends after 16 games, 1,094 rushing yards and 1,508 total yards from scrimmage.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon ruled out running back James Conner for the final game of the season when he addressed reporters Wednesday before practice.

Conner season has officially ended, as the Cardinals placed him on injured reserve.

In a move that should surprise nobody, they signed running back Michael Carter from the practice squad to the active roster. Carter rushed for 70 yards on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams and will become the presumed starter in Week 18 against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Cardinals now have three running backs on injured reserve: Conner, rookie Trey Benson, who was placed on IR earlier this week, and Emari Demercado, who has been on IR for a couple of weeks.

Carter and DeeJay Dallas are the only running backs on the active roster.

They also have Tony Jones Jr. and Hassan Hall on the practice squad. Jones will likely be elevated to the active roster to play on Sunday.

Conner’s season ends setting career-highs in games played (16), rushing yards (1,094) and yards from scrimmage (1,508). He scored nine total touchdowns (eight rushing, one receiving) and averaged 4.6 yards per rush, the second-highest average of his career.

Conner is signed for two more seasons after agreeing to a contract extension during the season.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

5 running backs to target on fantasy football waiver wire

If you have a fantasy football championship game in Week 18, consider these five running backs on the waiver wire.

If you’re reading this, you likely play in a fantasy football league that schedules its championship game for Week 18. If that’s the case, consider talking with your league’s managers about moving the title game up to Week 17 in 2025 because there are so many key players who are rested in the final week of the NFL’s regular season.

With that suggestion out of the way, here is our final fantasy football waiver wire list of the 2024 season. It’s five running backs, none of whom were considered viable starters in Week 1 of this season. That’s fantasy football (and a reflection of the Week 18 landscape).

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Running Backs

1. RB Ameer Abdullah (33.4%): Abdullah had double the amount of carries (20) as Alexander Mattison (10) on Sunday and he led the Raiders with 115 yards on the ground while adding three catches for 32 yards. Abdullah is the RB1 in Las Vegas going into Week 18.

2. RB Michael Carter (1.1%): Trey Benson (ankle) was inactive on Sunday and James Conner (knee) left the game after just four carries. The Cardinals then turned to Michael Carter, who stepped up with 13 carries for 70 yards while adding two receptions for 11 yards. If Benson and Conner are sidelined again this week, Carter could have another productive day.

3. RB Kareem Hunt (66.1%): The Chiefs are expected to rest their key starters, likely including Isiah Pacheco, against the Broncos. That could leave a sizable workload for Hunt. If Hunt is not available in your league, there should also be plenty of touches for Samaje Perine (2.4%) against his old team.

4. RB Khalil Herbert (4.4%): Chase Brown injured his ankle on Saturday, leaving Herbert as the next man up for the Bengals. It’s not believed to be a serious injury, so Brown might be on the field for a must-win game in Week 18. If Brown isn’t able to suit up, Cincy will turn to Herbert.

5. RB Jaleel McLaughlin (17.8%): McLaughlin has been the Broncos’ best running back in recent weeks and he will face KC’s backups on Sunday. McLaughlin turned 10 carries and two catches into 76 yards in Week 17.

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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RB Trey Benson seemingly out as Cardinals elevate RB Michael Carter, S Andre Chachere

Expect Michael Carter to have a big role offensively as he was elevated from the practice squad to play vs. the Rams.

The Arizona Cardinals announced two additions to the active roster on Saturday a few hours ahead of their Week 17 Saturday night game on the road against the Los Angeles Rams. They elevated running back Michael Carter and safety Andre Chachere from the practice squad to the active roster.

The move to elevate Carter suggests that rookie running back Trey Benson, questionable to play with an ankle injury, will not play. Carter will likely have a large role offensively as starter James Conner, while expected to be in the lineup, is dealing with a knee injury and is not at 100%.

Safety and core special teamer Joey Blount was ruled out of the game with an injury to his ribs, so Chachere will fill that role.

With Chachere playing, recently acquired Jammie Robinson likely will be inactive.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Fantasy Football: 5 waiver wire running backs to target in Week 17

Trey Benson is among the top running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Congratulations, you’ve made it to your fantasy football championship game!

Either that or you’re taking a consolation bracket very seriously, or you play in a league that has a Week 18 championship game (which is a bad idea). Regardless of why you’re here, we’re happy to have you.

Bryce Young (4.9%) is suddenly fantasy-relevant at quarterback, Jalen McMillan’s (33.1%) stock is through the roof at wide receiver, and Chigoziem Okonkwo (6.4%) has had a great two-week run at tight end. Today, though, we’re taking a look at the running back position.

We’ve put together a quick list of five running backs to target on the fantasy football waiver wire going into Week 17.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire RB Targets

1. RB Kendre Miller (47.6%): Alvin Kamara is dealing with a groin injury, leaving Miller as the Saints’ primary running back. New Orleans wasn’t able to get anything going against the Packers on Monday, but they’ll have an easier matchup against the Raiders next week.

2. RB Trey Benson (18.1%): James Conner might miss the final two games of the season with a knee injury, leaving Benson as Arizona’s new RB1 (health permitting). Benson missed last week with an ankle injury, so it’s worth taking a look at Michael Carter (0.1%) in case Benson is also held out this week.

3. RB Audric Estime (8.4%): Estime led Denver’s backfield in carries (nine) and rushing yards (48) on Thursday and scored his first NFL touchdown. Broncos coach Sean Payton has hinted that Estime’s workload could increase over the next two weeks.

4. RB Tyjae Spears (48.2%): Spears (14) got more touches than Tony Pollard (12) and he totaled more yards (66 vs. 40) and touchdowns (2 vs. 0). TDs can be fluky, but Spears is worthy of flex consideration.

5. RB Patrick Taylor (33.0%): Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo are all banged up, leaving Patrick Taylor as the 49ers’ de facto RB1. Taylor led the team in carries (eight on Sunday), but Deebo Samuel (five) was also involved. Taylor is worth a look in case Guerendo is sidelined again in Week 17.

Roster percentages for players listed in this article were sourced from ESPN. For more fantasy coverage, check out our fantasy football hub.

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Cardinals elevate 2 players for Week 16 vs. Panthers

RB Michael Carter could get some action on offense against the Panthers, filling in for the injured Trey Benson.

The Arizona Cardinals made a pair of roster moves on Saturday to get ready for their Week 16 battle against the Carolina Panthers on the road on Sunday.

With injuries mounting, the Cardinals elevated running back Michael Carter and tackle Jackson Barton.

Carter will give the Cardinals three healthy running backs. The only three on the 53-man roster were James Conner, Trey Benson and DeeJay Dallas. Benson was ruled out with an ankle injury.

Carter will presumably fill his role as No. 2 back while Dallas will play the third-down role he took over when Emari Demercado was placed on IR with a back injury.

Barton last played in Week 2. He injured his toe and was on the practice squad injured reserve before being reinstated to the practice squad. He will be the backup tackle that is active, as Kelvin Beachum will start at left tackle for Paris Johnson, who was ruled out with a knee injury.

The Panthers elevated running back Mike Boone and offensive lineman Brandon Walton from the practice squad.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Several Cardinals backups looking at big roles in Week 16 vs. Panthers

Expect big roles for Kelvin Beachum, Michael Carter and Krys Barnes in Week 16.

The Arizona Cardinals will play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Week 16. They have a lengthy injury report and it appears a few key players will be unable to play.

Linebacker Mack Wilson suffered a concussion last week and has not yet practiced this week as of Monday morning. Left tackle Paris Johnson reportedly could miss multiple weeks with a strained MCL.

Rookie running back Trey Benson has an ankle injury and has not practiced. Head coach Jonathan Gannon ruled him out on Friday before practice. Running back Emari Demercado is on injured reserve. So is punter Blake Gillikin.

So the Cardinals will have role players needing to step up in big roles.

Michael Palardy is the new punter and already has a game under his belt. DeeJay Dallas replaced Demercado as the third-down back.

They will have those roles again.

But other backups will be thrust into important roles.

Kelvin Beachum will likely start at left tackle for Johnson. He started nine games at right tackle while Jonah Williams was on injured reserve.

Krys Barnes will play for Wilson at linebacker.

Assuming Benson will miss the game on Sunday, we should expect to see Michael Carter elevated from the practice squad and playing the No. 2 back role behind James Conner, as he did late last season.

With how bad the Panthers are against the run (No. 32 in yards allowed and yards allowed per attempt), Carter could have a productive game.

The Cardinals have basically a must-win game this week. It will be critical for these regularly role players or bench players to step up and be solid in their roles. “Next man up” is a reality this week for Arizona.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

James Conner could have HUGE game against Panthers, but other RBs should also produce

The Panthers have the league’s worst run defense while the Cardinals have one of the league best and most efficient rushing attacks.

The Arizona Cardinals will take on the Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 16 and if there were ever a week to use James Conner in fantasy or to put money on his performance, it would be this week.

Conner, who is having another fine season in 2024, rushing for 973 yards on 4.5 yards per carry so far this season, will face the league’s worst run defense.

The Panthers are last in rushing yards allowed per game (173.0 yards) and last in yards allowed per carry (5.0).

They have allowed over 200 rushing yards in their last three games and 165 or more in six straight games.

The Cardinals have a great rushing attack. They are No. 7 in rushing offense, averaging 141.5 yards per game and third in the NFL in yards per attempt at 5.1.

Conner has five games of at least 100 rushing yards this season but he has not had more than 21 carries in a game.

So not only should Conner have a big game, it will probably be a game in which other running backs get carries. Rookie Trey Benson has not practiced this week with an ankle injury, so Michael Carter, who has been on the practice squad all season, will likely get elevated to the active roster and get a decent number of carries in the game. Likewise, DeeJay Dallas, who is playing in the third-down role since Emari Demercado is on injured reserve, could see some carries as well.

Conner should be good for over 100 yards and at least one touchdown.

Carter will probably be good for 40-plus yards.

As bad as the Panthers’ run defense is, we should not expect a big game from quarterback Kyler Murray. This will be a run-heavy game and it should be.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

RB Michael Carter Week 1 honoree for the Pat Tillman Scout Team award

The Cardinals continue the weekly honor and Carter got to wear the No. 40 jersey the week of 9/11.

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter is the season’s first winner of the Pat Tillman Award that goes to the player head coach Jonathan Gannon selects for doing the best job on the scout team preparing for a game.

The weekly winner then wears Tillman’s No. 40 on a red jersey during practice.

Gannon consistently talks about the importance of practice-squad players and backups on the roster working at a high level during practice.

On what it takes to be his choice, Gannon said, “Give really good effort. Do exactly what they’re coached to do. Team over you. That’s what I’m kinda looking for there.”

As for Carter, the head coach said, “He had a helluva week last week. Made some plays in practice. That’s play-making; that’s what I’m looking for there, who’s giving a great look.”

Prior to the start of the season, Gannon said, “We’re actually putting a little sauce on that too. This year, you’ll like what you see.”

However, all that was seen at practice was Carter wearing the jersey.

Carter said it was “cool, especially on 9/11.”

However, he said there wasn’t anything extra although he was recognized in a team meeting. Carter, who was two years old on 9/11 and five when Tillman was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire, said it was “an honor” to be a winner and that he’s been aware of Tillman since he was a kid, noting that his father was in the military.

“It was a legendary story,” he concluded.

When Gannon was reminded about his recent comments, he said, “That’s behind closed doors; the sauce part.”

Noting that’s understandable, he was asked about saying that the media would like what we see.

He answered, “I can’t say, but we do some things behind closed doors. So I guess that’s a false by me. The players like what they see behind closed doors with that.”

As another reporter started a different question, Gannon added, “I actually thought they were gonna have Tillman on it.”

Gannon then explained that equipment manager Jeff Schwimmer told him, “To go from running back to defensive line to offensive line, it’s hard for him to get it turned over that quick. So I said don’t worry about it.

“But that award means a lot to the guys in the locker room.”

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Cardinals RB Michael Carter hits salary escalator for 2024

Because of his playing time with the Jets, he earned a raise of more than $2 million in 2024.

Editor note: This was first published with the salary information and playing time of a different Michael Carter, a defensive back for the New York Jets. He qualified for a higher tier than the Arizona running back. 

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter gets a big raise in 2024 and not because he got a new deal. He gets a raise of about $2 million because he has earned the league’s proven performance salary escalator.

Drafted in the fourth round in 2021, he would have made the league minimum in 2024, getting $1.055 million in salary. His new salary will be $3.11 million.

Why?

He played a decent amount in his first three seasons.

He played 36.2% of the New York Jet’s offensive snaps as a rookie in 2021 and then 44.5% in 2022. He only logged 20.1% last year for an average of 33.6%.

As a former fourth-round pick, to qualify for level one escalator, he would have needed to play at least 35% of his team’s offensive snaps in two of three seasons or average that over three years.

The level two escalator comes into play for playing at least 55% in two of three seasons or averaging that over three.

He accomplished the level one tier but with the first scenario instead of the three-year average.

The level one escalator gives the player the salary equal to an original round restricted free agent tender, which is more than $3.1 million. That is Carter’s salary in 2024 if me makes the final roster.

Carter’s salary escalator might actually complicate his quest to make the team. Assuming the Cardinals keep four running backs, the decision will likely come between Carter and Emari Demercado, as James Conner, DeeJay Dallas and rookie Trey Benson are all basic locks for the roster.

He will need to either establish a set role as the primary backup to Conner or the third-down back to make the team.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.