Abdul Carter expected to make leap to dominance in Year 2

Abdul Carter | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Abdul Carter did not post the production many expected last season after the New York Giants made him the No. 3 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. NFL analysts expect that to change in 2026.

Carter was recently named as the Giants’ non-quarterback MVP candidate by Kevin Patra of NFL.com. He wrote:

As a rookie, Carter might have netted just four sacks, but he led Big Blue with 72 QB pressures — seventh-most in the league, per NGS — and a 15.4 percent QB pressure rate. The edge rusher showed improvement down the stretch, logging 3.5 of his four sacks in the final five weeks. With a strong get-off and more seasoning, Carter should put up bigger numbers in 2026. The Giants upgraded the surroundings for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, which should provide more opportunities for Carter to cause havoc on a consistent basis after ebbs and flows last season.