Tag: Carter

East Rutherford, NJ -- May 9, 2025 -- First round draft pick Abdul Carter during practice at Giants Rookie Minicamp.

Giants first-round LB Abdul Carter signs rookie deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Linebacker Abdul Carter, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, signed his four-year rookie contract with the New York Giants on Thursday.

Agents for the Penn State product confirmed that the fully guaranteed deal is worth $45.255 million.

Carter, 21, is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, Robert Bailey and Jason Rosenhaus.

Carter was a consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 with 12 sacks, 24 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 16 games for the Nittany Lions.

–Field Level Media

Apr 25, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants first round draft pick, Abdul Carter, takes questions from the media during his introduction press conference. New York Giants Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Giants first-rounder Abdul Carter picks jersey No. 51

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After a couple weeks of browsing, New York Giants first-round pick Abdul Carter selected the No. 51 jersey off the rack of available digits on Friday.

The 21-year-old outside linebacker, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, flirted with the idea of wearing the retired jersey numbers of a couple of Hall of Famers before making his choice.

Franchise legend Lawrence Taylor rebuffed Carter’s request to bring his No. 56 out of retirement, politely telling the rookie to “be the player that he is.”

“He can’t be another Lawrence Taylor,” Taylor said to ESPN two days after the draft. “Well, he may be better than a Lawrence Taylor, who knows. But he has to make his mark. It’s up to him.”

Carter then pivoted to No. 11, the number he wore as an All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year at Penn State.

That jersey number also is retired by New York in honor of quarterback Phil Simms, who said he initially was receptive to the idea. However, he was “outvoted” by his family, he told the New York Daily News.

That rejection prompted Carter to make a joke about whether he would ever find a number.

“Damn at this point imma be out there with just my last name on my jersey, no number (laughing emojis),” Carter posted on X. “Jkjk, It’s all Love. Just wanna play Football!”

Linebacker Azeez Ojulari wore No. 51 from 2021-24 but signed with the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason.

The most decorated player in Giants history to wear the number was two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl long snapper Zak DeOssie from 2007-19.

The Giants announced the jersey numbers for the rest of their rookie class: QB Jaxson Dart (6), DT Darius Alexander (91), RB Cam Skattebo (44), OL Marcus Mbow (71), TE Thomas Fidone II (86) and CB Korie Black (25).

–Field Level Media

Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Browns, holding No. 2 pick, host trio of top prospects

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As the Browns inch closer to the start of the 2025 league year next week, Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry has kept his focus on the draft class.

The Browns hosted three of the top-ranked prospects in the class on Wednesday: Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter as well as quarterbacks Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado).

With only the Tennessee Titans ahead of the Browns in the draft, Cleveland is casting a narrowed net before the college pro day circuit kicks into high gear. The Browns met with all three prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine, where 18-minute, in-person interviews are permitted with up to 45 players in the 2025 draft pool. They also met with Colorado two-way player Travis Hunter, who has said he hopes to remain a wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL.

None of the four prospects worked out with their position group in Indianapolis.

Carter was not even available for a complete battery of official measurements because of his ongoing recovery from an AC joint injury in his shoulder.

The Browns entered the offseason with uncertainty at quarterback. Deshaun Watson had a second Achilles surgery and might not play in 2025. Jameis Winston can become a free agent.

Field Level Media ranks Ward as the clear No. 1 prospect at the position. The Titans also view QB as one area “we have to get right,” according to first-year general manager Mike Borgonzi.

Defense might become a higher priority for Berry and the Browns if they’re backed into a corner by defensive end Myles Garrett. After requesting a trade, Garrett responded to the Browns’ statement they would not part with the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate by stating he has no plans to sign a contract extension to stay in Cleveland.

The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) practices before the Fiesta Bowl against the Boise State Broncos at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Penn State DE Abdul Carter praises Titans, wants to be No. 1 pick

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INDIANAPOLIS — Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter wore an Eagles jersey to the Super Bowl for one final experience as a Philly fan with his dad, knowing his next stop via the NFL draft is unlikely to bring his dream of wearing that uniform to life.

Carter is not working out for NFL teams this week because of a shoulder injury he estimated was “90 percent” healed. But he’s squarely in the conversation as one of the best prospects in the 2025 draft class after posting 12.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss for the Nittany Lions last season.

Carter said he gets his toughness from his Philadelphia roots where he grew up dreaming of working toward being the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.

“I feel like it’s very realistic,” Carter said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “I feel like I’m the best player in the country. The best player should be selected No. 1.”

Carter said he kicked off interviews with NFL teams on Tuesday night and met with New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel — “all about his business” — and the brass of the Tennessee Titans, who have the No. 1 pick.

“I’m impressed with them. They’re impressed with me,” Carter said. “They have the No. 1 pick. I want to be the top pick.”

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said Tuesday he would not pass on a generational talent. While Borgonzi said the first draft board of the process is set in Nashville, he wouldn’t say which players earned priority seating.

“Abdul is a very good player,” Borgonzi said. “I don’t want to go into many evaluations of the players, but there are certainly some players at the top that fit that description of generational talent.”

–Jeff Reynolds, Field Level Media

Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) after the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Super Bowl injury report: Two Eagles upgraded to full participants

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (illness) and running back Kenny Gainwell (concussion, knee) ramped up from limited participants in Wednesday’s practice to full participants on Thursday, according to the penultimate Super Bowl LIX injury report.

Carter popped up on the injury report earlier in the week with an illness that is reportedly going through the Eagles’ locker room. The Pro Bowler had 4.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in the regular season and added two sacks in the Eagles’ divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams.

Presuming he plays, this will be the 23-year-old’s first Super Bowl. He was selected ninth overall in the 2023 draft, months after the Eagles fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII.

Gainwell, 25, had 75 carries for 290 yards and one touchdown in a backup role behind Saquon Barkley this season. He’s had seven carries for 32 yards through three playoff games, as well as three receptions for 26 yards.

Defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow) and wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) remained limited Thursday. Reserve offensive lineman Nick Gates, who’s yet to be active for a playoff game, was also limited by a groin issue.

The only change on the Chiefs’ side of the report was the addition of punter Matt Araiza (illness), but Araiza was a full participant in Thursday’s practice.

Receiver Skyy Moore (abdomen), who could be activated from injured reserve before the game, was limited for a second straight day. Three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was a full participant again as he nurses an ankle that he sprained on Dec. 15 against Cleveland. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) also practiced in full.

The final practice report, which comes with game designations for players as applicable, is due out Friday afternoon.

–Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) smiles as he comes out the huddle during their game against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on Dec 15, 2024.

Cardinals RB James Conner (knee) to sit out finale vs. 49ers

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Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers due to a knee injury, coach Jonathan Gannon said Wednesday.

Conner, 29, initially sustained his injury in Arizona’s 36-30 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 22. He was able to play this past weekend, however he exited the Cardinals’ 13-9 setback to the Los Angeles Rams after just four carries for 4 yards.

Signed to a two-year contract extension in November, Conner recorded career-high totals in carries (236), rushing yards (1,094) and games played (16). He also had eight touchdowns for the Cardinals (7-9), who have lost five of their last six games heading into season finale against the 49ers (6-10) in Glendale, Ariz.

With rookie Trey Benson (ankle) just placed on injured reserve, Michael Carter likely will receive the bulk of the workload in the backfield versus San Francisco.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Conner has rushed for 5,970 yards and 59 touchdowns to go along with 281 receptions for 2,217 yards and 11 scores in 107 career games (81 starts) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2017-20) and Cardinals.

Conner was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen (44) tackles New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Falcons rule out LBs Troy Andersen, Lorenzo Carter

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The Atlanta Falcons will travel to Seattle on Sunday seeking their fourth consecutive win, but will do so without the services of starting inside linebacker Troy Andersen.

The team’s co-leader in tackles this season is dealing with a knee injury, and was ruled out on Friday for the third consecutive week despite being listed as a limited participant in practice. Fellow linebacker Lorenzo Carter also was ruled out with a concussion, while safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) and cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (back) are questionable to face the Seahawks.

The good news is that pass rusher Matthew Judon returned to practice following a rest day, as did linebacker Nate Landman, who is dealing with calf and quad injuries. They were not listed on the final injury report.

Andersen, a 2022 second-round pick, is tied with Kaden Elliss with 44 tackles through Atlanta’s 4-2 start. He also has one of the Falcons’ five interceptions, which he returned 47 yards for a touchdown against New Orleans on Nov. 29 en route to earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He hasn’t played since.

Landman, who has 14 tackles this season, is in line for increased snaps along with Elliss and rookie JD Bertrand. James Smith-Williams, who has 18 tackles to Carter’s 15, is expected to step in to a starting role, with Arnold Ebiketie seeing more time as well.

Simmons, one of the team’s key offseason acquisitions, has 23 tackles and an interception. If he is unable to go Sunday, 2021 second-round pick Richie Grant likely would start alongside Jessie Bates III.

Seattle enters Sunday’s game 29th in the NFL, averaging only 96.5 rushing yards per game. That includes quarterback Geno Smith contributing 146 of the team’s 579 yards through six games.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (98) walks off the field after win against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles DT Jalen Carter, CB Darius Slay miss practice

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and cornerback Darius Slay missed Thursday’s practice with injuries.

Carter was out with a shoulder injury one day after being healthy. Slay was limited with a knee injury Wednesday prior to missing Thursday’s workout.

Tight end Dallas Goedert and offensive tackle Jordan Mailata missed practice with hamstring injuries for the second straight day. Mailata will miss Sunday’s road game against the New York Giants.

Cornerback Eli Ricks (groin) also was new to the injury report after practicing Wednesday.

Linebacker Oren Burks (groin) and defensive tackles Byron Young (hamstring) and Milton Williams (ankle) were limited.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets cornerback Michael Carter II (30) recovers a fumbles in front of Denver Broncos center Luke Wattenberg (60) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jets rule out CB Michael Carter II, LB C.J. Mosley could return

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The New York Jets will be without cornerback Michael Carter II when they host the Buffalo Bills on Monday night.

Carter injured his back in pregame warmups prior to New York’s 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week and was on the field for just one play. He missed practice this entire week before being ruled out Saturday.

The Jets listed five-time Pro Bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley (toe) as questionable and he could return after a three-game absence. He was limited in practice all week.

“We steadily have just progressed him as far as the reps that he takes at practice,” New York interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said. “He’s felt the best he’s felt in a while this week, so we’re hopeful.”

Tight end Tyler Conklin (hip) also was listed as questionable.

Right tackle Morgan Moses (knee) is slated to return after a two-game absence. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle) practiced in full Saturday and is good to go.

–Field Level Media

The Philadelphia Eagles were able to land Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter - arguably the best player in the draft - with the No. 9 overall pick. Syndication Columbia Daily Tribune

Crash survivor sues Georgia, Jalen Carter

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Victoria Bowles, a former Georgia staffer who was injured but survived the fatal car accident that took the lives of two others in January, filed a lawsuit against Georgia athletics, Jalen Carter and the estate of the deceased staffer.

According to the lawsuit, filed in Gwinnett County (Ga.) on Wednesday, Bowles likely suffered “permanent disability” in the Jan. 15 wreck that killed Bulldogs offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy, who is named in the lawsuit.

Police say LeCroy, the driver, had a blood alcohol concentration of .197, nearly 2 1/2 times the Georgia limit, when the SUV she was driving was traveling 104 mph when it veered off the road and hit two power poles and several trees.

Bowles has incurred more than $170,000 in medical expenses since the wreck, per her attorneys.

“Tory is deeply saddened by the loss of Devin and Chandler,” Bowles’ attorney Rob Buck said. “She greatly appreciates the continued prayers, love and support she is receiving during her difficult recovery. … Tory is disappointed that the Association and its insurers have forced her to resort to litigation to address her life altering injuries.”

Bowles was a recruiting analyst who was in the car driven by LeCroy and also occupied by Willock and then OL Warren McClendon hours after the victory parade celebrating Georgia’s second straight national championship,

Bowles is suing the UGA Athletic Association for negligence for allowing LeCroy to drive the car despite knowing she had incurred “at least four speeding tickets, which included two ‘super speeder’ violations under Georgia law.”

Further, the lawsuit disputes Georgia’s assertion that LeCroy was not authorized to drive the 2021 Ford Expedition, leased by the athletic department.

“LeCroy told Ms. Bowles that she (LeCroy) had ‘permission’ to keep the SUV ‘until tomorrow,’” the lawsuit said. “Numerous text messages from recruiting staff supervisors to LeCroy, Ms. Bowles and other staff members show the Association’s statement is false. Recruiting staff were regularly informed they could leave their personal vehicles overnight at the Butts-Mehre football facility and permissively use Association rental vehicles through a specified cut-off date and time, unrelated to their assigned recruiting activity duties.”

The Georgia Athletic Association released a statement Thursday.

“We have not been served with the complaint, as plaintiff’s counsel chose to share it with the media before sharing it with us. Based on our preliminary review, we dispute its claims and will defend the Athletic Association’s interests in court.”

The suit accuses Carter, who police said was racing LeCroy in another vehicle, of illegally leaving the scene and failing to render aid.

Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing in March. Carter was sentenced to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine and 80 hours of community service. He also will attend a state-approved defensive driving course.

Carter signed a four-year deal worth $21.8 million with the Philadelphia Eagles after being selected No. 9 overall in the April draft.

Willock’s father, Dave Willock, filed a $40 million lawsuit in May against UGA, LeCroy’s estate and Carter, among others.

–Field Level Media