New York Giants second-year linebacker Abdul Carter has been in the news for various reasons lately, and football has been at the bottom of the list.
Time to switch gears on that. Carter is poised to build on a solid rookie campaign this year and has been identified by CBS Sports as one of their five NFL sophomores who are in for a “massive breakout” in 2026.
Stardom is just within reach for 2025 NFL Draft third overall pick edge rusher Abdul Carter’s grasp. His 66 quarterback pressures ranked as tied for the 12th-most in the entire NFL in 2025, and that figure was 21 more than the next closest rookie — Atlanta Falcons edge rusher James Pearce. Jr. and his 45, according to TruMedia.
However, Carter turned just four of those 66 pressures into sacks for sack-to-pressure rate that ranked 211th among 271 players with 100 or more pass-rush snaps. That production doesn’t align with a player who possesses the bend, fluidity and athleticism of a player like Carter. With a full year under his belt and playing alongside Brian Burns, whose 16.5 sacks were the second-most in the NFL last season, and 2026 fifth overall pick Arvell Reese, Carter has what he needs to ascend to stardom.
Carter will also benefit from the addition of first-round pick Arvell Reese, who will line up at the WILL backer position. Carter will play on the other side of veteran free agent Tremaine Edmunds at the right outside linebacker spot. The trio is expected to create mismatches for opposing offenses.
“Both of the young men, they love football, okay?” first-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson said this spring. “They are problems in terms of the pass-rush. It’s hard for people to block them. Why? They’re explosive off the ball. They can win on the edge. They have length. They can play underneath guys. They have numerous tools in their tool bag.”
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants’ Abdul Carter named a ‘player poised for massive breakout’
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
