Arizona Cardinals RB Michael Carter Faces Uncertain Offseason

The running back's future with the team is unclear as he enters free agency.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Michael Carter, the Arizona Cardinals' running back, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the upcoming 2026 offseason. After two seasons on the practice squad and limited playing time in 2025, his future with the team is uncertain, especially with a coaching staff change. While he has a history with new head coach Mike LaFleur, Carter will likely have to compete for a roster spot if he re-signs with the Cardinals.

Why it matters

Carter's situation highlights the precarious nature of an NFL player's career, as he faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot with the Cardinals despite flashes of potential in his first few seasons. The team's decision on whether to re-sign him could have implications for their backfield depth and overall offensive strategy going forward.

The details

In the 2025 season, Carter played 13 games for the Cardinals, starting four, and finished with 333 rushing yards, one touchdown, and 33 receptions for 267 yards. His production has declined since his first two seasons in the league when he played under new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur, who was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets at the time. With the coaching staff change in Arizona, it's unclear if the team will look to retain Carter, who made the league minimum of $1.17 million last season.

  • Carter began the 2025 season on the Cardinals' practice squad for the second straight year.
  • He was promoted to the active roster after an injury to starter James Conner.
  • The 2026 league year officially begins on March 11, with the legal negotiating period starting on March 9.

The players

Michael Carter

A running back for the Arizona Cardinals who is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason.

James Conner

The Cardinals' starting running back, whose injury in 2025 led to Carter being promoted to the active roster.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets when Carter had his most productive seasons.

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What’s next

The Cardinals will have to decide whether to re-sign Carter or let him test free agency before the start of the 2026 league year on March 11.

The takeaway

Carter's future with the Cardinals is uncertain, as he faces an uphill battle to secure a roster spot with the team due to his declining production and the coaching staff change. However, his prior experience playing under new head coach Mike LaFleur could give him an outside chance of being re-signed, though he would likely have to compete for a spot on the roster.