Eagles' Depth Chart, Salary Cap After Reported Michael Carter II Trade with Jets

The Philadelphia Eagles addressed a position of need on Wednesday, acquiring cornerback Michael Carter II in a trade with the New York Jets, per multiple reports.

Given Carter's history as a slot corner, it's very possible the Eagles will move Cooper DeJean to outside cornerback on a full-time basis. DeJean had been playing the slot corner in nickel packages but had recently moved to the outside in base, opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

The move also likely won't have too much of an impact on the Birds financially, with very limited guaranteed money remaining on his contract:

As for Philly's projected defensive depth chart going forward, here's a look:

• NT: Jordan Davis; Ty Robinson
• DT: Jalen Carter; Moro Ojomo; Byron Young
• OLB: Nolan Smith; Josh Uche; Azeez Ojulari
• WLB: Zack Baun; Jeremiah Trotter Jr.; Smael Mondon Jr.
• MLB: Jihaad Campbell; Nakobe Dean
• OLB: Jalyx Hunt; Brandon Graham; Patrick Johnson
• CB: Quinyon Mitchell; Jakorian Bennett
• SS: Andrew Mukuba; Sydney Brown
• FS: Reed Blankenship; Marcus Epps
• CB: Cooper DeJean; Adoree' Jackson; Kelee Ringo
• NB: Michael Carter II; Mac McWilliams

There have been two noticeable weaknesses for the Eagles' defense this year: The lack of consistent pressure off the edge (with injuries playing a part), and the struggles of the outside CB2 role opposite Mitchell.

Last season, DeJean operated exclusively as the slot corner and was a revelation, playing a huge role in the team's Super Bowl title. But with cornerback Darius Slay Jr. departing in free agency and safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson traded, there was some question about whether DeJean might play more of a hybrid role in 2025.

Mukuba, a rookie, has seemingly locked down the safety role next to Blankenship, while DeJean opened the season operating primarily as the nickel. Both Jackson and Ringo have struggled as the CB2, however, and Bennett has been injured, leading DeJean to play in the slot in the team's nickel defense (which is what Philly primarily runs) and in recent weeks move outside in base.

It's possible that Carter will allow DeJean to focus on playing outside on a full-time basis. The Eagles could also mix and match their setup depending on the matchup, given how fantastic DeJean has been in the slot. If nothing else, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio now has more optionality.

"We considered it," Fangio told reporters this week when asked about the possibility of making DeJean a full-time outside corner. "But when you have one of the better players at a certain position, and it's an important position where you get involved more, you hate to take a really good player at one position to maybe not be as good of a player or impactful of a player at another position. But it's definitely something that we've talked about."

Time will tell how the Eagles handle their cornerback setup. But the Carter addition gives them some nice options.