Former UNC football star Michael Carter released by Arizona Cardinals

Michael Carter did not make the Arizona Cardinals’ 53-man roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

Michael Carter was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, but never reached the heights he reached in his final year with the UNC football program, where he and Javonte Williams led the Tar Heels to their first-ever Orange Bowl appearance. The Jets stopped using Carter in his third year with the team (eight appearances in nine games played) and released him on November 14, 2023. He was claimed off waivers by the Cardinals the next day.

Things didn't go much better for Carter in the desert. He was far inferior to James Conner, a monster in the running and passing game over the last three years, and only played in six games. He had 22 runs and scored no points.

Things got even bleaker when the Cardinals drafted Trey Benson from Florida State in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Carter did not play in Arizona's final preseason game. Head coach Jonathan Gannon addressed that omission during his postgame press conference, and his reaction sounds even more ominous given the news that Carter has now been released.

Michael Carter should be able to find a new home, even if he starts on the practice squad. Years of watching the NFL and fantasy football have made it clear that you can literally never have enough running backs. Check here for updates on Carter's next home.