It appears Lorenzo Carter will need to find a new home in the NFL. The pass rusher indicated in an Instagram post that the Giants will not be re-signing him. 
The 26-year-old was drafted by New York in the third round in 2018. He posted four sacks in his rookie campaign, and has taken on a larger role in each of the three seasons since. Carter started all but three of the 34 games he played in from 2019 to 2021.
“It’s hard for me to even put in words how blessed I am to have been a part of the New York Football Giants family these past four years”, he wrote, adding, “I’m thankful for everyone that played their part in making my time with the organization so special… as I move on to my next chapter, I’ll never forget the Big Blue“.
The former third round pick has been a consistent contributor during his time in the Big Apple. With the exception of 2020 (in which he only suited up for five contests due to a torn Achilles), Carter totalled between 43 and 50 tackles and either 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0 sacks each year. His career-high totals in both categories in 2021 showed his ability to bounce-back from the serious injury.
Even with Carter, the Giants ranked 24th in the league in sacks last year. Without him, they will likely lean more on the likes of Azeez Ojulari, Elerson Smith and Quincy Roche, each of whom were drafted in 2021. Carter, meanwhile, will join an edge rusher market which has lost almost all of its marquee names, with the notable exception of Za’Darius Smith.
Chargers. They could use some depth behind Bosa and Mack. Have the cap room too
Carter profiled as a pass rusher in college and then was drafted into a mostly coverage role with New York. He started slow, but you have to give him credit for his attitude and eventually adapted into a solid starter.
I will be curious to see if Carter goes back to his college role as an edge defender in free agency.
Carter was actually used as a star at UGA during his senior season, so dropping into coverage and playing off the edge wasn’t all that unfamiliar to him..
He was just considered as a raw pass rusher, because of his lack of various moves, his frame needed to add strength, and because he wasn’t just entirely used as an edge rusher at UGA..
Thanks for the clarification, richardc. I remember that being a knock on him as a young player, but his size really made him project as a pass rusher on the next level. Most scouts had Carter listed as a either a linebacker or defensive end to my knowledge, as his size would seemingly indicate. I still want to see how other teams will see Carter-as an edge defender or a coverage linebacker.
Oh yes, you’re spot on, scouts were drooling over his long arms, speed, etc. and dreaming of him as a future pass rushing demon that just hadn’t reached his potential ceiling yet..
I think he could work well in a multiple D as an OLB/Edge, where he can rush and/or drop back depending on the disguise and looks they’re giving the QB…
He could definitely be a real weapon, and shouldn’t cost TOO much. If used correctly, like by Bill on the Patriots, I think we could see his career really start to blossom..
A little sorry to see him go. But was an inconsistent performer over his tenure with Giants. Sacks and pressures would come in spurts and never developed into a consistent player. Wish him luck on the future.