Michael Carter II managed to play 13 games last season, but he was nowhere near full strength for much of that time. The fifth-year Jets corner is healthy entering training camp, however. 
Carter dealt with an ankle injury which lingered through the opening part of the campaign. He eventually recovered but then faced issues stemming from a herniated disc in his back. The 26-year-old saw his defensive snap share drop to 32% – by far the lowest mark of his career – as a result.
“It was super tough, more mentally than physically,” Carter said during minicamp (via Brian Costello of the New York Post). “Everything physically was going on, but mentally I was just trying to make sure I was kind of staying in it, staying enthused, not being down and trying to prepare the best I could so I could help my teammates and at least try to make an effort to make it through a game and be out there for those guys because I want it so bad.
“I definitely wanted to make sure I did everything I could to do what I could for them. It was one of those things that it didn’t work out, but I’m in a lot better place now.”
Being back to full health will be key for Carter given the investment made in him by the Jets’ previous regime. The former fifth-rounder landed a three-year, $30.75MM extension last offseason which made him the league’s highest-paid slot corner at the time. Carter no longer holds that title, but after handling snap shares between 64% and 74% during his first three years with the team he can once again be expected to serve as a crucial member of New York’s secondary in 2025.
The new tandem of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn will have Sauce Gardner in place for at least the next two years (although he is understandably among the team’s current extension priorities). New York expectedly lost D.J. Reed in free agency and replaced him with Brandon Stephens to operate as a starter on the perimeter. Carter will be tasked with handling slot duties once again in 2025, and his ability to remain healthy will be key in determining the success of the Jets’ defense.