While the Detroit Lions keep pushing through the NFC playoff race, another NFC team is heading in the opposite direction. The New York Giants, sitting at 2-9, are clearly entering a full rebuild. But even with the struggles, one rookie defender is making noise and refusing to let the season slip away.
Abdul Carter, Not Jaxson Dart, Delivers a Message to the League
The Giants might be turning the offense over to rookie QB Jaxson Dart, but Wednesday belonged to top defensive pick Abdul Carter. Drafted third overall, the rookie edge rusher hasn’t produced the way New York hoped.
His rookie-year stat line so far:
23 tackles
0.5 sacks
9 QB hits
1 fumble recovery
But Carter isn’t backing down. Speaking to reporters, he made it clear he plans to finish strong:
“The season’s not over yet… it’s about how you finish. I’m going to finish strong.”
It’s the kind of urgency Detroit fans are used to seeing from Dan Campbell’s roster — a contrast to what’s happening in New York.
Giants Hoped Carter Would Be Their Aidan Hutchinson
When the Giants drafted Carter, many around the league believed he could become their version of Aidan Hutchinson — a high-motor, production-heavy pass rusher who could transform a defense.
And on paper, he looked the part. At Penn State:
23.5 tackles for loss (led the nation)
12 sacks
2 forced fumbles
Paired with Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York thought they were building a dominant front — similar to what Detroit built with Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and company.
So far, that vision hasn’t become reality.
Giants Now Shifting Toward 2026 — While Detroit Looks Ahead With Momentum
As Detroit pushes toward another postseason run, the Giants are already eyeing next year — and maybe the year after. Their plan moving forward includes:
Locking in Jaxson Dart as QB1
Getting Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo healthy
Reworking the offense
Developing existing defensive talent, including Carter
The biggest question sits at the top:
Who will coach this team in 2026?
A new head coach — and likely a new defensive coordinator — will determine whether this rebuild resembles what Detroit successfully pulled off or becomes just another reset.
