The New York Giants broke an abysmal nine-game losing streak with a commanding victory against the Las Vegas Raiders 34-10 on Sunday. The win, however, significantly reduced their chances of winning the rights to the first overall pick, now occupied by the Raiders.

Hopes of a king’s ransom for the first overall pick seem to be dashed from reality, forcing the team to now consider their other options if they stay at the second overall pick. The bad news is that a trade to a quarterback-needy team is now harder than it ever has been and might force the team to just eat the selection in 2026. The good news is that the team gave some signs of life heading into the season finale.

My Hottest Take: Abdul Carter Is Poised For A 2026 Breakout

It was only a month ago that questions about rookie linebacker Abdul Carter’s motivation and character were being called into question. Sleeping through team meetings, being late to meetings, and seemingly just a lack of interest in the game. Those actions led to his benching by interim head coach Mike Kafka, a move that has turned around his attitude and performance on the field.

Against Las Vegas on Sunday, Carter continued to make his presence known by splitting a sack, recording two tackles for losses, and racking up four total quarterback hits. In fact, the rookie linebacker recorded his second-straight week with nine pressures, totalling 52 on the season and ranking second in the entire league. His four quarterback hits were also the same as last week.

New York’s linebacker corps appears to be set for the foreseeable future if the team decides to keep Thibodeaux or draft linebacker Arvell Reese in the 2026 NFL draft. Brian Burns has become a stalwart of this defense and essentially the co-captain alongside defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. If they can get some serious secondary upgrades over the offseason, the team has something good on their hands.

What You Need To Know: The Pieces Are There For A Successful 2026

Injuries derailed the Giants’ 2025 season, along with coaching that was questionable at best but downright confusing and self-sabotaging at worst. The good news is that the team will be getting a lot of their weapons back on offense in 2026 alongside an emerging quarterback in Jaxson Dart. That’s alongside what will likely be an entirely new coaching staff, including an offensive coordinator.

Some of the players the team will get back on offense next year include wideout Malik Nabers, who was poised to excel this year with Dart under center but suffered a torn ACL in week four. New York will also get rookie running back Cam Skattebo back next year despite concerns about his off-field activities; he’s bound to be a feature back for the time being. Joshua Ezeudu might also make an appearance next year as a backup guard.

The Giants also might consider getting some help on offense from free agency. A hole at tight end might be filled by Kyle Picks if the Atlanta Falcons do not re-sign him, or they could use a deep-ball threat in Rashid Shaheed or Jauan Jennings, depending on their negotiations. The seeds are planted for 2026.

Before You Go: Thibodeaux On The Block?

Most Giants fans are focused on who the Giants might get in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft after losing their rights to the first overall pick. Caleb Downs would still be on the table if the Raiders went with Fernando Medoza, but Arvell Reese could also be there on the table at number two. With Thibodeaux approaching the last year of his rookie deal, it might make sense for the Giants to trade him.

A trade pre June 1 would save the team $14 million in cap space, and potentially net them a top-10 pick if they give up a little more outside of that. The Tennessee Titans have been pointed to as a potential team needing a linebacker, and they hold the No. 4 spot in the draft. The key, however, is that the Giants need more than one pick in the first round to help boost their roster. They need to make some magic happen.