MichaelCarter

News: 13 hours agoCarter is competing for standing on Arizona's roster behind starter James Conner, after having ended the 2023 season in the No. 2 role, Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic reports.

Spin: Carter totaled 30 carries for 187 yards across 15 regular-season games between the Jets and Cardinals last season, in addition to 24 catches for 101 yards and one touchdown on 31 targets. Now, though, the addition of rookie third-round pick Trey Benson has crowded Arizona's backfield, and Carter is competing for standing alongside Emari Demercado (shoulder) and DeeJay Dallas, in addition to Tony Jones. It would help Carter's case to impress in the preseason, with Saturday's exhibition game against the Colts representing his next chance to do so.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Despite being labled the "heartbeat" of the team, the Jets cut Carter after Week 10 last season. Arizona scooped the North Carolina product off waivers and added him to the team's backfield just days later. Carter quickly leapfrogged Emari Demercado and emerged as James Conner's primary backup, recording 22 carries and nine catches between Weeks 12 and 18. Carter profiles as a complementary player and, with rookie Trey Benson now in the fold, is unlikely to take on a primary role, even if Conner were to be sidelined. He offers little upside to managers from a fantasy perspective.