What’s Next? Thibodeaux Trade Speculation Grows Amid Carter’s Uncertain Future

     Giants’ Trade Rumors Swirl as Abdul Carter Decision Nears 

Penn State’s Abdul Carter made an appearance at his Pro Day on Friday, and while he didn’t participate in workouts, he did take some new measurements and drop a few hints about his next steps. The star edge rusher, widely expected to be a top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has scheduled visits with just four teams: the Titans, Browns, Giants, and Patriots   all of whom hold top-four selections. 

Of those teams, the Giants seem like the least likely to draft Carter. If quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders go 1-2, New York could be left choosing between Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Hunter is seen as a generational talent and fills two major needs for the Giants, making him the more likely pick. Another possibility is that the Giants opt for Carter over a quarterback, even though they desperately need a franchise passer. Either way, the decision could have major consequences for current Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. 

Trade rumors around Thibodeaux have been swirling, and a recent proposal from         Last Word on Sports    suggests the Panthers as a possible landing spot. Carolina is looking to bolster its defense after showing improvement on offense under Bryce Young. With speculation that Jadeveon Clowney could be moved, Thibodeaux could be a prime trade target for them. 

One recent mock draft even had the Panthers trading up to No. 3 to grab Carter, giving the Giants more ammo to draft a quarterback in 2026. But there’s also a strong case for New York keeping Thibodeaux. With his fifth-year option still available and the possibility of pairing him with Carter and Brian Burns, the Giants could turn their defensive line into a serious problem for opposing offenses. 

While a trade could happen down the line, for now, it looks like the Giants have some tough choices to make. Whether they go for Carter, Hunter, or a quarterback, their decision will have ripple effects on the team’s future.