Despite Rocky Start, Giants GM Joe Schoen Stands Firm Behind Rookie Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter’s rookie season hasn’t exactly followed the script the Giants were hoping for when they took him with the No. 3 overall pick. Monday night against the Patriots marked the second time in three games that Carter didn’t start due to a coach’s decision - this time reportedly tied to a missed team responsibility.
It’s the kind of hiccup that can raise eyebrows, especially for a top pick in a high-pressure market like New York. But inside the Giants’ building, there’s no panic - at least not from general manager Joe Schoen.
Speaking during his bye week press conference Tuesday, Schoen made it clear: he’s not backing off his belief in Carter’s long-term potential.
“I have a lot of faith in the people in the building and the resources that we have,” Schoen said. “Abdul’s a young man that’s 21 years old, that’s smart and understands the magnitude of his actions and also understands what it means to be a pro.”
That last part - understanding what it means to be a pro - is where Carter is currently being tested. The rookie linebacker has shown flashes of the athleticism and playmaking ability that made him a top-three pick, but consistency, both on and off the field, is still a work in progress.
Monday’s benching stemmed from what was reportedly a missed portion of a team responsibility, according to reports. Carter didn’t start the game, and while he eventually saw the field, it was another bump in a rookie season that’s had more turbulence than expected.
His first benching came two weeks ago against Green Bay, when he was late to a team meeting. Carter said he was receiving treatment at the time, pushing back on reports that he had simply overslept.
After the game, Carter didn’t hide his frustration but acknowledged the need to be better. That’s the kind of accountability the Giants are hoping to see more of - and Schoen made it clear that development is about more than just what happens between the lines.
“These kids are 21 years old and they’re thrust in the spotlight in New York City and it’s not always going to be perfect,” Schoen said. “People make mistakes.
Nobody’s perfect. Part of our job is to develop them as football players, but also as people.
And we will continue to do that with everybody in this organization.”
That’s a key point. The Giants aren’t just investing in Carter’s physical tools - they’re betting on his ability to grow into the role, to learn from early missteps, and to become the kind of player who can anchor their defense for years to come.
Joe Schoen is not concerned about Abdul Carter moving forward:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 2, 2025
"I have a lot of faith in the people in the building and the resources we have...these kids are 21 years, thrust in the spotlight of New York City, it's not always going to be perfect. People make mistakes." pic.twitter.com/7Nx1cOnC32
Still, not everyone around the organization is taking the patient route. Giants legend Carl Banks didn’t hold back in his postgame comments, offering pointed criticism after Carter once again failed to start with the defense. And with the team now riding a seven-game losing streak after falling 33-15 to the Patriots, frustrations are mounting - both inside and outside the locker room.
But Schoen’s message was clear: Carter is still very much part of the Giants’ long-term vision. The growing pains are real, but so is the belief in what he can become.
For now, the Giants are sticking with their young linebacker. And if Carter can take these early lessons to heart, the promise that made him the No. 3 pick is still very much in play.