Jets' Robert Saleh explains Michael Carter's surprising release, vows more personnel changes to come

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The New York Jets made a surprising roster move on Tuesday when the team announced they had released third-year running back Michael Carter. 

Head coach Robert Saleh addressed the move Wednesday, saying the decision ultimately came down to making more opportunities for rookie running back Israel Abanikanda, adding that "it wouldn’t be fair for Michael to just sit there and rot on the bench."

Deatrich Wise Jr. of the New England Patriots tackles Michael Carter of the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

"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. It came down, one, just want to give Izzy an opportunity. He’s a good young back and we felt like it wouldn’t be fair for Michael to just sit there and rot on the bench and ask him to be a great teammate and all that stuff."

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Saleh continued, "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 that we all think he could be, but part of it is him being a victim of being part of a running back room that’s got three good football players, but I’m pumped for him." 

But the surprising move might not be the last for the Jets. 

Saleh was asked if there would also be personnel changes going forward, which he confirmed. 

Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets watches from the sidelines during the Buffalo