Carter was rated the 22nd best strong safety in the 2017 NFL draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[3] Lance Zierlein of NFL.com predicted that he would go undrafted and be a priority free agent, stating "Carter is a classic height, weight, speed player who is more project than prospect at this point".[4]
On May 11, 2017, the Denver Broncos signed Carter as an undrafted free agent to a three-year, $1.67 million contract that includes $20,000 guaranteed and a signing bonus of $10,000.[5][6][7] The $20,000 guaranteed the Broncos' agreed to pay Carter was the most guaranteed money the Broncos gave to their undrafted free agent signings in 2017.[8]
Throughout training camp, Carter competed for a roster spot against Orion Stewart, Dymonte Thomas, and Dante Barnett, who were also safeties signed as undrafted free agents, for a roster spot.[9] He was expected to land on the practice squad with the four spots on the active roster dedicated to safeties already filled. Starting strong safety T. J. Ward missed part of training camp and the entire preseason after tearing his hamstring and was subsequently released. Carter led the Broncos with 19 combined tackles in the preseason and head coach Vance Joseph named him the backup strong safety behind Justin Simmons to start the regular season.[10][11] Carter became the 13th undrafted Bronco in 14 seasons to make the first 53-man roster.
He made his professional regular season debut during the Broncos' season-opening 24-21 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 3, Carter recorded his first career tackles during a 26-16 loss at the Buffalo Bills. He made the first tackle of his career on wide receiver Brandon Tate who returned a kick 23-yards in the third quarter. Carter received increased snaps on defense beginning in Week 15 after starting strong safety Justin Simmons was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. On December 14, 2017, Carter recorded a season-high three solo tackles in the Broncos' 25-13 victory at the Indianapolis Colts. He finished his rookie season with 11 combined tackles (nine solo) and one pass deflection in 16 games and zero starts.[12]
On August 13, 2018, Carter was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn hamstring.[13]
On August 31, 2019, Carter was waived by the Broncos.[14]
On September 2, 2019, Carter was signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad.[15] He was promoted to the active roster on September 24, 2019.[16]
Carter was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Falcons on July 29, 2020.[17] He was activated on August 18, 2020.[18] He was waived on September 5, 2020,[19] and was signed to the Falcons' practice squad the next day.[20] He was elevated to the active roster on October 5 for the team's week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.[21] He was released on October 7, 2020.[22]
On January 20, 2021, Carter signed a reserve/futures contract with the Arizona Cardinals.[23] He was waived on August 10, 2021.
On August 17, 2021, Carter signed with the Tennessee Titans.[24] He was waived on August 31, 2021 and re-signed to the practice squad.[25][26] After the Titans were eliminated in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs, he signed a reserve/future contract on January 24, 2022.[27] He was waived/injured on May 16, 2022 and placed on injured reserve.[28] He was released from injured reserve on June 12, 2022.
The Arlington Renegades selected Carter in the second round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft on January 1, 2023.[29] He was placed on the reserve list by the team on March 4, 2023, and activated on April 21.[30] He re-signed with the team on January 26, 2024,[31] and March 11.[32] He re-signed with the team again on September 27, 2024.[33]
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