#contract-guarantees

#contract-guarantees

Although he was the first receiver in New England to reach 1,000+ receiving yards since Julian Edelman in 2019, there is considerable discussion about his fit for 2026 and beyond, particularly given his ongoing court case and his salary. Whatever happens to his tenure in Foxborough could depend on the outcome of his legal problems, but if not, NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry believes there's plenty to suggest his salary isn't ideal for what the Patriots want to accomplish.

Carter, a fifth-round pick in 2021, became the NFL's highest-paid slot corner in 2024 when he signed a three-year, $30.75 million extension. He's under contract through 2027 for $20.3 million, but only $2.7 million is guaranteed -- his remaining base salary this season ($1.3 million) and a partial guarantee in 2026 ($1.4 million). An additional $4 million will become guaranteed if he's on a roster next March.