Howie Finds a Nickel

Posted October 29th, 2025

Howie Roseman didn’t wait for the trade deadline to make a move. He found someone he liked on Wednesday and made the deal, adding an experienced player to the Eagles secondary.

Carter has played in 65 games over his career, with 25 starts. That’s misleading because he is a nickelback. He played starter level snaps, but wasn’t always on the field at the beginning of games. His 5-10, 184 size certainly is more of a traditional fit at nickel than outside corner.

So what exactly are the Eagles getting in Carter?

The question now is how Carter fits in with the Eagles defense. They already have one of the top nickelbacks in the league, Cooper DeJean. Trading for someone with Carter’s talent and experience could mean a couple of different things. It is possible that Vic Fangio wants Carter in the slot and will move DeJean to outside corner.

The other possibility is that Carter was made as a depth move. He gives the Eagles a backup at nickel in case anything happens to DeJean. Parry Nickerson had been the backup nickel. Carter is an upgrade. Vic Fangio likes rookie Mac McWilliams, but he’s just not ready to play key snaps for a title contender.

There might not be a definitive plan for Carter. Fangio can have him as the backup initially and get a better feel for Carter and how to use him as he practices with the team. No matter how you slice it, this was a good move. Metchie wasn’t needed at WR. The Eagles have Darius Cooper and Xavier Gipson outside of the big three. They are fine at WR.

DB was an area of need. You would love to trade for a good outside corner, but I’m not sure how many of those guys are available right now. Carter didn’t cost a key player or pick and makes the Eagles deeper and more versatile. His presence gives Fangio the option to keep DeJean in the slot or move him outside. The Eagles could try Carter outside, but he’s barely played there in his NFL career. Carter is meant for the slot.

Here is a look at Carter from the Jets perspective.

Carter wanted to come to Philly. He re-worked his contract so the deal would get done. He’s never had a chance to experience the postseason, let alone the Super Bowl. Now Carter has a great chance to be playing in January and possibly February. You know he’s excited.

A couple of misc nuggets.

• Joe Douglas was the GM for the Jets when Carter was drafted. Douglas is now back working for the Eagles.

• Carter will have almost 2 weeks to get ready for the Eagles next game (a week from Monday)

*****

Does this mean Howie is done? I don’t think so. The Eagles didn’t use any key resources in making this deal. Howie can continue talking to other teams to see what is available. I don’t think he’s going to pay a premium price because I’m not sure there would be a deal that makes sense. I wouldn’t trade a first round pick for DE Trey Hendrickson. He will turn 31 in a month, has 4 sacks this year and is battling back/hip injuries.

Any deal will have to make sense for the Eagles now and into the future. The Eagles are good enough to win as is. Howie isn’t desperate for help. That said, there are areas that could be upgraded. The price has to be right. The fit has to be right.

*****

Moro Ojomo has sacks in consecutive games and is playing well this season.

Keep making plays.

https://igglesblitz.com/2025/10/howie-finds-a-nickel/

I’m still not sure what the plan is here. If they don’t want to move Coop to the outside (which they shouldn’t) then he’s a depth piece. But I guess they didn’t give up a lot to get him so there’s no real cost here.

6 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I’m still not sure what the plan is here. If they don’t want to move Coop to the outside (which they shouldn’t) then he’s a depth piece. But I guess they didn’t give up a lot to get him so there’s no real cost here.

I think in part you answered your own question (depth piece that they didn't give up a lot to acquire ... we basically swapped a depth WR for a depth CB, so a juggling of bottom of the roster players). But I do think there will be a plan for Carter. Guessing Vic will get creative and come up with some gameplans that get him on the field, depending on specific personnel matchups we are facing week-to-week (whether that involves an extra DB on the field or they do indeed move DeJean outside in some formations and throw Carter in the slot) Again, I think that will be mostly personnel-based and not something you see regularly. We shall see.