The New York Giants made their intentions clear when they took Abdul Carter third overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He wasn’t just viewed as a safe pick. He was a tone-setter for a team desperately in need of top-tier talent. That vision took another step forward Thursday as the team officially locked in its new centerpiece.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Carter has signed his rookie contract with the Giants. The deal is fully guaranteed, spans four years, and comes in at $45.255 million with a signing bonus of $29.552 million. With rookie camp already in the rearview and OTAs right around the corner, this agreement ensures Carter’s on-field development stays on track without any off-field distractions.
Carter joins a defense that’s being rebuilt around aggression, speed, and disruption. His contract will carry a cap hit of $8.228 million in 2025, and the Giants will have a fifth-year option in 2029. With Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux all under contract, this defense now has a young, high-upside playmaker ready to slot in and contribute right away.
Giants lock in top draft pick with Abdul Carter’s rookie contract now finalized
Carter becomes the fourth member of the Giants’ 2025 draft class to sign. Offensive lineman Marcus Mbow, tight end Thomas Fidone II, and cornerback Korie Black have already signed their rookie contracts. That leaves quarterback Jaxson Dart, third-rounder Darius Alexander, and fourth-round running back Cam Skattebo still waiting on finalized deals.
Carter is coming off a dominant junior season at Penn State where he recorded 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss. He earned All-American honors, won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and made the jump to full-time edge rusher with immediate success. The Giants saw a clear fit in their defense and didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger when he was still on the board at No. 3.
The team’s investment reflects its belief in Carter’s ability to anchor this new-look defense that's undergone a significant overhaul. And now that pen is officially on paper, all eyes shift to the field. The Giants’ intimidating front seven just got a little more real.