Eagles $30 million cut candidate could draw interest from Cowboys, Raiders, Lions

When it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles' cut candidates this offseason, one beat writer believes cornerback Michael Carter II is at the top of the list.

According to The Athletic's Brooks Kubena, cutting Carter makes sense because of the return of Drew Mukuba from injury, and with the starting slot cornerback job already taken by Cooper DeJean.

Carter is also a top cut candidate because parting ways with him would save the Eagles $8.7 million 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 said. "GM Howie Roseman secured depth after rookie safety Drew Mukuba fractured his ankle, using a midseason trade that sent WR John Metchie III to the New York Jets for Carter and a swap of Day 3 picks. With Mukuba returning, the Eagles’ need for Carter simply does not outweigh the savings they’d get by releasing him. Carter also played nickel for the Jets, but Cooper DeJean netted an All-Pro selection at that position, which certainly suggests nickel will be his home base."

Carter made a name for himself as one of the better slot cornerbacks in the NFL during his days with the New York Jets, which helped him net a three-year, $30 million deal from Gang Green before he was traded in 2025.

Carter wasn't terrible with the Eagles last season, but he simply didn't play enough (only 20% of snaps) to justify keeping him around on his current contract.

If Carter is indeed cut loose, teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders and Detroit Lions could have interest.

The Cowboys let slot corner Jourdan Lewis walk in free agency last year and even Jerry Jones admitted that might have been a mistake.

Detroit needs more depth at cornerback overall, but they could have a starting slot job open up if Amik Robertson, who is a pending free agent, doesn't return in 2026.

The Raiders could have multiple top roles up for grabs in their secondary this year, including in the slot, where the Raiders could use an upgrade.

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