The 2026 league arrives next month. It officially started on March 11, and the legal negotiation period began on March 9.
Before that happens, the Arizona Cardinals have a lot of roster decisions to make.
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Ahead of the new league year, we’ll profile each player on the roster, reviewing their performance last season, their contract status and what they face in 2026.
Next up is running back Michael Carter.
Michael Carter 2025 Season
Carter started the season on the practice squad for the second consecutive season. He became part of the active roster following James Conner’s injury.
He played in 13 games, including four starts, and finished the season with 333 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. He also caught 33 passes for 267 yards.
Michael Carter contract status
When the new season begins on March 11, Carter will become an unrestricted free agent unless extended. His income last season was the league’s lowest income of $1.17 million.
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Michael Carter’s Offseason Outlook
Just looking at his performance over the past two seasons and the changes in the coaching staff, one wouldn’t expect the Cardinals to want him back. He was respected by his teammates in the locker room, but that was under Jonanson Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
However, there is a chance he could re-sign with the Cardinals as he played for new head coach Mike LaFleur. During Carter’s first two NFL seasons, LaFleur served as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator, two of his most productive seasons in the league.
He totaled 1,654 yards with LaFleur as offensive coordinator. Over the next three seasons, he has scored 1,076 points.
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Regardless, he will have to compete for a spot on the roster, whether extended or not, and has little hope of making the team.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Michael Carter’s Contract Status and 2026 Offseason Outlook
