What Should the Giants Do With Kayvon Thibodeaux?

Since being drafted fifth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Kayvon Thibodeaux’s performance has been a relatively mixed bag. On one hand, he has demonstrated flashes of brilliance as a dynamic pass rusher capable of changing the course of a game with a single play. On the other hand, there have been stretches where he has inexplicably disappeared from the spotlight, leaving fans wondering if he has yet to fully tap into his potential. Recently, amid growing speculation that the New York Giants might target a pass rusher at the top of the upcoming draft, Thibodeaux’s name has emerged prominently in trade discussions, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his future with the team.

This presents the Giants with a challenging decision—one that likely won’t be finalized on draft weekend. Although the former Oregon standout has not quite lived up to the lofty expectations set by both the organization and the passionate fan base when he was selected in 2022, he remains a valuable and productive member of the Giants’ defensive front. Over the course of 43 NFL games, Thibodeaux has compiled a respectable 21.0 sacks, 73 solo tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and six forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to make impactful plays despite some inconsistency.

At just 24 years old, he undeniably possesses room for growth and could develop into a considerably more dominant force on the defensive line in the coming years. However, the fact remains that, at this stage, he does not yet embody the consistent, elite pass rusher profile expected of a top-five draft pick. The Giants now face a pressing deadline to decide whether to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which would cost the team $16.1 million for the 2025 season. This financial commitment is significant and must be weighed carefully against the possibility of acquiring new talent.

Should the Giants succeed in adding a player like Abdul Carter to the Meadowlands’ roster, the organization will confront a difficult crossroads: whether to make that sizable short-term investment in Thibodeaux or to explore signing him to a new contract based on his potential upside. Each path presents its own risks and rewards, and the ultimate choice will likely shape the trajectory of the Giants’ defensive unit for years to come.