The New York Giants have officially signed their 2025 first-round draft pick, linebacker Abdul Carter, to a fully guaranteed four-year rookie contract. The deal, completed on May 22, 2025, is valued at $45.255 million and includes a $29.5 million signing bonus, reflecting the team’s strong commitment to their top selection from last month’s NFL Draft.
Carter, the No. 3 overall pick, was a dominant defensive force at Penn State, where he earned unanimous All-American honors and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Known for his speed, tackling ability, and football IQ, Carter is expected to make an immediate impact in the Giants’ defense.
The contract also includes a fifth-year team option for the 2029 season, a standard provision for first-round picks, giving the Giants flexibility to extend Carter’s stay if he meets their expectations. This move signals the organization’s long-term faith in Carter’s ability to be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.
Signing Carter was a priority for the Giants following a disappointing 3-14 season under head coach Brian Daboll. The team hopes that the addition of Carter, along with other recent draft picks, will spark a turnaround and improve their defensive performance starting next season.
This signing was made possible in part by a recent contract restructuring by veteran defensive end Brian Burns, who converted over $10 million of his base salary into a signing bonus. This created the necessary cap space for the Giants to finalize Carter’s rookie deal without compromising their financial flexibility.
With Carter now officially under contract, the Giants can focus on preparing their new linebacker for training camp and integrating him into a defense that desperately needs fresh talent and leadership. Fans will be watching closely to see how Carter’s transition to the NFL unfolds as the Giants aim for a competitive bounce-back in 2025.
