Michael Carter Goes to Bat for Running Back Brethren

Jets' third-year RB explains why his position is undervalued across the NFL

New York Jets' running back Michael Carter takes his job seriously, especially considering the multiple responsibilities required by his position on the field.

The third-year pro suggested that running backs are undervalued across the National Football League despite their importance in the operations of an offense.

"Running backs are offensive weapons. We're the only ones who block, run and catch. There's nobody [else] on the field that does that," said Carter while speaking to reporters after Gang Green's first padded practice of the NFL Preseason.

While conceding the idea that he plays in a "passing league," Carter implied that a pass attack can only carry a team so far. 

"When you get to the playoffs, you're gonna have to run to win and you're gonna have run to win the Super Bowl," said Carter.

Still playing on his rookie contract, Carter, a 2021 fourth-round draft pick out of North Carolina, was bothered by Saquon Barkley's inability to ink a multi-year contract with the New York Giants.

"I think it's blasphemous that they don't pay the running back. I woke up and I saw Saquan [Barkley] on a prove-it deal and I almost went back to sleep," said the 24-year-old Carter. "I couldn't believe that. What are we doing? It'll get fixed though."

Carter, who would like to see the elimination of the franchise tag option, offered some advice for Giants' second-year GM Joe Schoen.

"To be honest, the Giants have no room to be letting Saquon go. They just don't. He's a great player, one of the best in the league," said Carter.

Carter indicated that an increase in "guaranteed" money is important for running backs' contracts moving forward.

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"You see guys getting big deals, but sometimes they're backload with the money. We want more guaranteed," said Carter.

He argues that higher compensation is easily justifiable, especially when running backs carry a heavy workload.

"You look at [Christian] McCaffrey who is getting the ball 62 times in two games. Okay. If you got a guy that's getting the ball that much in a game, he deserves all the money that he asks for," said Carter. 

In two seasons as a Jet, Carter has rushed for 1,041 yards and seven scores on 261 carries.

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