Giants' Abdul Carter eyes 2026 Defensive Player of the Year honors

New York Giants second-year edge rusher Abdul Carter is determined to claim the NFL’s top individual defensive honor as soon as this season, as he expressed after Friday’s training camp practice.

>“I want to be Defensive Player of the Year, for sure,” Carter told reporters.

>Carter made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2025, finishing fifth in Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after recording 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and 23 quarterback hits. His speed and explosiveness as a pass rusher, combined with refining technique, pointed toward a potential breakout campaign ahead.

>The Penn State product is expected to start at outside linebacker opposite Brian Burns next season, giving him a clear opportunity to compete for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award once the season begins.

>This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Abdul Carter eyes 2026 Defensive Player of the Year honors