News Flash: New York Jets Strong Players Thomas Hennessy and Michael Carter Announce Departure
In a shocking turn of events, two key figures in the New York Jets organization, long snapper Thomas Hennessy and running back Michael Carter, have officially announced their decision to depart from the team. While both players have had significant roles in the franchise’s recent seasons, their exits could signal pivotal changes for the Jets’ future.
Thomas Hennessy: The Reliable Long Snapper
Thomas Hennessy has been with the Jets since 2017, initially entering the league as an undrafted free agent. A reliable long snapper, Hennessy earned a reputation for his consistency and precise snapping. His skill set may not have garnered as much attention as players in other positions, but his importance cannot be overstated—long snappers are crucial for ensuring smooth operations on punts, field goals, and extra points.
Over the years, Hennessy has developed strong chemistry with punter Braden Mann and kicker Greg Zuerlein, helping the special teams unit stay steady in the midst of fluctuating performances from the offense and defense. Hennessy’s departure leaves a significant hole in a unit that prides itself on having a reliable special teams core. The Jets will now need to find a replacement who can match the accuracy and dependability that Hennessy provided.
Michael Carter: A Shifting Backfield
Michael Carter, the second-year running back out of North Carolina, was seen as a promising young talent in the Jets’ backfield. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Carter quickly became a fan favorite due to his explosive running style, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. While Carter had his ups and downs over the past few seasons, his potential was undeniable.
In 2022, Carter split carries with rookie Breece Hall, and the two formed a promising tandem. However, with Hall suffering an ACL injury, Carter was thrust into a lead-back role, where he showcased his abilities as a capable starter. Despite Hall’s return in 2023 and the emergence of other running backs like Zonovan Knight, Carter still remained an important part of the offense.
The announcement that Carter is departing the Jets could be tied to a number of factors, including contract situations, team dynamics, or even personal preferences. If Carter leaves, the Jets will likely look to reshape their running back rotation, especially with Hall’s health being a question mark after his recovery. The Jets might seek additional help in the draft or free agency to provide depth and stability to their ground game.
What This Means for the Jets
The departure of both Hennessy and Carter is significant, though it may not be earth-shattering. Special teams will face a particular challenge in replacing Hennessy, a player who has been a steady presence. The long snapper position often gets overlooked until there is a mistake or a missed kick, and the Jets could face some growing pains if a new player struggles to adjust.
Carter’s departure leaves the running back room in flux. While Breece Hall’s return is the primary focus, the team will need to ensure that they have sufficient depth, especially given Hall’s injury history. With Carter departing, the Jets may look to the draft or free agency to acquire a running back who can complement Hall’s skills and add depth behind him.
Ultimately, these exits mark the end of an era for two respected players who made their mark on the Jets during their tenure. As the team looks to rebuild and refocus, both the special teams unit and the backfield will need to undergo transitions. The decision to move on from these players might be a sign of broader changes coming to the team, as they continue to evaluate their roster heading into the next chapter of their development.
In the weeks and months to come, Jets fans will be keeping an eye on how these moves impact the team’s structure as they move into the offseason.
