Michael Carter

At 26 with a 2025 season of 3.3 YPC efficiency on 67 carries, Carter is entering the typical RB decline window with worsening efficiency metrics rather than improvement trajectory.

Trey Benson (value, elite prospect) and James Conner are both ahead on depth chart once healthy. Bam Knight also competes for volume. Carter lacks a clear path to consistent role.

Carter left Arizona in free agency and signed with the Tennessee Titans (April 1, 2026), his third team in three years. This pattern of short-term contracts signals organizational non-commitment; his role and path to snaps in Tennessee is undefined at this stage.

His 2025 ARI production (PPR #48, 7.6 PPG) was almost entirely opportunity-driven by injuries to Benson, Conner, and Knight — not a designed starting role. There is no clear path to a true lead-back designation on any current roster.

Carter is the #3 RB on Tennessee behind Tony Pollard (1,000+ rushing yards last season) and Tyjae Spears, with Kalel Mullings and 2026 rookie Nicholas Singleton also crowding the room. There is no plausible path to starter-level volume without two injuries in front of him.

Carter is on his third team in three years (Jets → Cardinals → Titans), a clear organizational signal about his ceiling. Tennessee signed him as depth insurance, not a featured option, and dynasty sites reflect this: Dynasty Nerds rates him RB160 with a value of 0.

If Conner or Benson miss extended time, Carter could see 10-15 touch games as demonstrated late 2025 season. Short-term lineup value exists in injury-ravaged backfield.

New HC Mike LaFleur's offense (successful with pass-catchers under McVay) may highlight Carter's 40+ target ceiling as a receiving back in up-tempo concepts.

His 11% target share held stable throughout the back half of 2025, suggesting he retains value as a passing-down specialist even without a defined carry role. PPR formats give him a modest floor as a third-down back.