The New York Giants made a notable lineup decision Monday night, opting not to start rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter against the New England Patriots. The move, described on the ESPN broadcast as a “coach’s decision,” comes just two weeks after Carter was benched for a series in Week 11 against Green Bay following a missed walk-through.
Carter, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, arrived in New York with high expectations. Touted as a potential game-wrecker off the edge, he’s shown flashes of disruptive ability but hasn’t yet turned pressure into production on the stat sheet. Through 12 games, he’s credited with just half a sack - a number that doesn’t reflect the kind of impact typically expected from a top-three pick.
In Carter’s absence from the starting lineup, veteran Chauncey Golston got the nod on the edge. The Giants also worked Tomon Fox into the rotation during sub-packages, signaling a committee approach to the pass rush early in the game. Carter didn’t see the field until the Patriots’ first drive of the second quarter.
While the coaching staff hasn’t offered a detailed explanation yet, this decision adds another layer to what’s been a turbulent rookie season for Carter. There have been rumblings - unconfirmed - that he may have violated team rules earlier in the year, issues that reportedly went unaddressed prior to the dismissal of former head coach Brian Daboll after Week 10.
Now under interim head coach Mike Kafka, the Giants appear to be drawing a harder line when it comes to accountability. Whether this benching is a one-time message or a longer-term shift remains to be seen, but it’s clear Kafka is willing to make bold choices, even when it involves one of the franchise’s most high-profile young talents.
Carter’s talent isn’t in question - his burst off the line and ability to generate pressure have been evident. But for a player drafted to be a cornerstone of the defense, the next step is converting that disruption into production. And just as importantly, earning the trust of the coaching staff on and off the field.
All eyes will be on Kafka’s postgame comments for more insight into the decision and what it means for Carter moving forward. For now, it’s a reminder that in the NFL, draft pedigree guarantees opportunity - not playing time.