When the New York Jets acquired John Metchie III from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Michael Carter II, they were getting a lottery ticket. Carter was a distressed asset, with injuries sapping his performance and big money due in 2026 and 2027, as well as a potential out after this year if he didn't turn it around. That wasn't going to net much, and Metchie was the best the Jets could have hoped for.
Coming out of Alabama, Metchie tantalized with a varied skill set, with Pro Football Focus (subscription required) drawing comparisons to long-time NFL stalwarts Marvin Jones and Randall Cobb based on measurables and collegiate performance.