

It certainly wasn't an easy rookie campaign for New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter, who had a rough first half of the year and was disciplined multiple times by interim head coach Mike Kafka.
However, down the stretch, Carter played incredibly well, totaling 3.5 sacks over his final five games and racking up 15 quarterback hits over his last seven.
Overall, the former No. 3 overall pick finished with 43 tackles, four sacks, a couple of forced fumbles, a pair of fumble recoveries and 23 quarterback hits on the season, and analytics loved him.
Following the Giants' season-ending win over the Dallas Cowboys, Carter delivered a strong message to his teammates, telling everybody in the locker room "this is not where we're supposed to be" in 2026.
In a recent sitdown interview with Madelyn Burke of the Giants' team website, Carter explained his speech.
"I wanted to make sure that the guys know that I want to give everything I've got for this team," Carter said. "And I want us to make sure that this is not where we can be. We can be so much greater. It's four championship banners in here. I want to add a fifth."
New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter. Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images.Some had been concerned over Carter's dedication to the team in 2025, as his tardiness and behavior during team meetings drew significant attention among fans and media members. It also clearly aggravated his teammates.
But it's very obvious that the 22-year-old is prepared to buckle down and attack next season with gusto. And you know what? New York may actually have reason to look forward to next year for a change.
The Giants' decision to hire John Harbaugh as head coach may have been the best move they have made in over a decade, and it absolutely should change what has become a toxic culture inside Big Blue's locker room.
You can also bet that Harbaugh will hold Carter accountable, so it's entirely possible that the Penn State product has a breakout campaign in 2026.
Of course, New York has plenty of other issues it needs to address, but with Harbaugh at the helm, the future is definitely brighter int he Big Apple.
And thankfully, Carter seems more than ready to be a significant part of it.
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