Robert Saleh Explains Decision to Release Third-Year Running Back

Michael Carter's departure opens up opportunity to deploy fifth-round rookie

It turned into a numbers game for the New York Jets and Michael Carter was the odd man out.

"Just want to give Izzy [Abanikanda] an opportunity. He's a good, young back," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh about the decision to release Carter.

In order to create playing time for the fifth-round rookie Abanikanda, who has been a gameday inactive every week thus far, the Jets would have been forced to send 24-year-old Carter to the bench. Saleh said the team did not want to travel that route.

"We felt like it wouldn't be fair for Michael to just sit there and rot on the bench," said Saleh on Wednesday. "He's been so good to us, we felt like for him just to get an opportunity to go play for a team that would allow him to tote the rock and kind of be the feature back."

Carter, a 2021 fourth-round draft pick, found himself behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook on the depth chart. After making 11 starts as a rookie, he was reduced to a third-down role in 2023.

"Part of it is him being a victim of being part of a running back room that’s got three good football players," said Saleh.

Carter, who totaled 1,041 rush yards over his first two NFL seasons, received only eight carries through the first nine games this fall. He was on field for 25 percent of  the team's offensive snaps.

"I’m pretty sure he’s going to get claimed today. He's going to get an opportunity and he’s going to show why he’s capable of it," said Saleh. "Excited for him to get this fresh start, but releasing him was more about allowing him the opportunity to go get one."

Saleh began his comments about Carter by showing gratitude.

"Love Michael. I think everyone recognizes how great of a teammate he’s been over the last couple of years. I really appreciate all the things that he’s done," said the third-year head coach. "Players don't like seeing players get cut. Coaches don't like seeing players get cut."

Starting offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, who is one of those players, will admittedly miss Carter's presence. 

"I know it's a business and things like that, but I be around these people every day. I look at them like family, so when a situation like that happens, I'm always down in the dumps," said Becton after Wednesday's practice in Florham Park. "He was a joyful dude. He'd put a smile on anybody's face no matter the day you're having."

After winning the 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference rushing title, the Brooklyn-born Abanikanda joined the Jets as the No. 143 overall draft choice this past spring. He displayed explosive ability during the preseason, but his pass protection skills have been called into question.

'Hard Knocks' Favorite Returns to Jets' Practice Squad, Bumping Emergency Cornerback

READ MORE:

Jets' Teammates React to Michael Carter's Unexpected Release

Jets Back On Road as Underdogs, Point Spread Favors Bills

Jets' TE Channels Inner Aaron Rodgers With 'End Of The World' Comment