The New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a trade that swaps cornerback Michael Carter II and wide receiver John Metchie III, with accompanying draft picks, as both franchises address positional weaknesses ahead of the NFL’s November 4 trade deadline.
The trade, confirmed by both teams on October 29, 2025, sends Carter and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Metchie and a 2027 sixth-round selection. This move comes just days before the league’s trade deadline, highlighting the urgency both teams feel in improving their rosters for the second half of the season. The deal was first reported by multiple sources within the last 24 hours, ensuring its timeliness and relevance.
Michael Carter II, a fifth-round pick by the Jets in 2021, has been a reliable slot cornerback but has faced injury challenges recently. He missed three games this season due to a concussion and returned to limited action in Week 8, playing only six defensive snaps. Carter, who signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension in 2024, agreed to remove a $5 million injury guarantee for 2026 to facilitate the trade, easing financial concerns for the Eagles. His contract runs through 2027 with $20.3 million remaining, but only $2.7 million is fully guaranteed.
John Metchie III, originally a second-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2022, has had a tumultuous start to his NFL career. He missed his rookie season after tearing his ACL in college and has struggled to find consistent playing time. This is his second trade in less than three months, having been moved from Houston to Philadelphia in August. With the Eagles, he recorded just four catches for 18 yards in seven games this season, primarily as a reserve option behind stars like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
The Eagles’ motivation for acquiring Carter stems from their need for depth in the secondary. Despite having young talents like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia has experienced inconsistency at the cornerback position, with Adoree’ Jackson dealing with a concussion and other players underperforming. Carter’s experience in the slot could allow DeJean to play more outside, providing defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with greater flexibility. The Eagles, currently 6-2 and reigning Super Bowl champions, aim to solidify their defense for a playoff push.
For the Jets, the trade addresses a critical shortage at wide receiver. Star receiver Garrett Wilson has missed the last two games with a knee injury, and Josh Reynolds was recently placed on injured reserve with a hip issue. This leaves New York with a depleted receiving corps, making Metchie a potential immediate contributor despite his limited production thus far. The Jets, struggling at 1-7, hope Metchie can inject some vitality into their offense alongside other options like Allen Lazard and Tyler Johnson.
The financial aspects of the deal were crucial in its completion. Carter’s contract adjustments, including the removal of the injury guarantee, made the trade feasible for both sides. The Jets may have absorbed some of the financial burden, though specific details are not fully disclosed. This trade also signals potential further moves, such as the Jets possibly trading veteran receiver Allen Lazard, as both teams continue to evaluate their rosters ahead of the deadline.
Looking ahead, both players are expected to join their new teams after their Week 9 byes. Carter could make his Eagles debut against the Green Bay Packers, while Metchie might see action when the Jets host the Cleveland Browns. This trade not only fills immediate needs but also sets the stage for potential roster adjustments, emphasizing the strategic nature of mid-season deals in the NFL.
In conclusion, this swap represents a calculated effort by both franchises to bolster their chances in a competitive landscape, with the Eagles strengthening their defense and the Jets adding much-needed offensive firepower as they navigate the remainder of the 2025 season.