New York Jets and cornerback Michael Carter II agree to 3-year contract extension

The New York Jets and cornerback Michael Carter II agreed Tuesday night on a three-year contract extension, according to a person familiar with the deal.

Carter is regarded as arguably the top nickel back in the NFL, forming a terrific trio of cornerbacks for the Jets with Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Jets hadn't announced the deal. NFL Network first reported the extension, saying it's worth $30.75 million and can reach up to $33 million with more than $19 million in guarantees — making Carter the highest-paid slot cornerback in the league.

The 25-year-old Carter was a fifth-round pick out of Duke in 2021 and quickly established himself as a consistently reliable nickel back and an important contributor for coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

In three seasons, Carter has 183 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, 15 quarterback pressures, 23 passes defensed, two interceptions, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.