The Philadelphia Eagles may soon part ways with one of their top offseason cut candidates, and multiple NFL teams are expected to show interest if that happens.

According to The Athletic’s Brooks Kubena, veteran cornerback Michael Carter II is the most likely player to be released as the Eagles work to create salary cap flexibility. Cutting Carter would free up $8.7 million in cap space, more than any other potential roster move for Philadelphia this offseason.

“The Eagles can get $8.7 million in cap savings by cutting Carter. There is no other player who offers them savings above $3.7 million. That makes this decision fairly easy,” Kubena wrote.

Carter’s role diminished after the return of Drew Mukuba from injury and the emergence of Cooper DeJean, who earned All-Pro honors as the team’s starting slot cornerback. With DeJean firmly entrenched in the nickel role and Mukuba healthy again, the Eagles no longer have a pressing need for Carter’s services.

Philadelphia acquired Carter in a midseason trade that sent wide receiver John Metchie III to the New York Jets, along with a swap of late-round draft picks. While Carter previously built a strong reputation as one of the league’s better slot corners during his time with the Jets—earning a three-year, $30 million contract—his snap count with the Eagles dropped to just 20% of defensive plays last season.

Although Carter played solidly when on the field, his limited usage makes it difficult for the Eagles to justify keeping him at his current salary.

Potential Landing Spots for Michael Carter II

If the Eagles release Carter, several teams could pursue him in free agency, including:

Dallas Cowboys:
Dallas allowed slot corner Jourdan Lewis to leave in free agency last year, a move owner Jerry Jones later acknowledged may have been a mistake. Carter could provide an immediate upgrade in the slot.

Detroit Lions:
Detroit could be searching for secondary depth and may have a vacancy at slot corner if Amik Robertson, a pending free agent, does not return in 2026. Carter would offer experience and stability in the middle of the defense.

Las Vegas Raiders:
The Raiders are expected to have multiple open roles in their secondary, including the slot. Carter could compete for a starting job and provide veteran leadership to a young defensive unit.

Outlook

With cap savings looming and younger options already in place, the Eagles appear poised to move on from Michael Carter II. If he becomes available, his proven production as a slot cornerback should make him one of the more sought-after defensive backs on the free-agent market, with the Cowboys, Raiders, and Lions among the teams most likely to express interest.