New York Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux On Rocky Ground After Abdul Carter NFL Draft Pick

In the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected former Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux with the No. 5 overall pick. With Thibodeaux’s rookie contract ending soon, there have been discussions on whether his time with the Giants is ending.

The Giants picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option in April, giving the team an extra year before having to deal with contract negotiations. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants selected former Penn State defensive end, Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick.

Thibodeaux’s 2024 season was cut short due to a wrist injury. He played just 12 games and was placed on injured reserve. With drafting Carter, there has been an idea that the former Oregon player’s time with the Giants is nearing the end.

Jul 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) walks the sideline during training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn Images | Lucas Boland-Imagn Images

USA TODAY’s Nate Davis believes the Giants and Thibodeaux are on thin ice with the addition of Carter.

“The Giants are picking up his $14.8 million option for 2026, but Thibodeaux will need to turn it up if the team is to figure out a way to keep him, two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns and highly acclaimed pass rusher Abdul Carter, the No. 3 pick of this year’s draft, for the long term,” Davis wrote.

While the addition of Carter could put pressure on Thibodeaux, that could work in the former Duck's favor. Assuming Thibodeaux enters the 2025 season healthy, he could be on pace for a strong season. The Giants’ defense will contain Thibodeaux, Carter, defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, and linebacker Bobby Okereke.

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With a stacked pass rush, the offense will not be able to prioritize one player from the Giants without another breaking through. This could give Thibodeaux the chance to have a high-performing season.

At the Gridiron Gala, Thibodeaux spoke to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan about the Giants drafting Carter in the first round. Thibodeaux had nothing but praise for the incoming rookie.

“I think [Carter’s] a great player. We can use him in a lot of different ways,” Thibodeaux said. “I’m excited to see him come in a grind and [see] what we’re going to get.”

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) enters the field during pregame introductions before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones-Imagn Images

“If you look at my skill set, Brian’s skill set, Brian can rush inside. I can, but Brian is probably better rushing inside than I am. But Brian, I can inside. I can rush inside. He can rush from depth. I can rush from depth being at that linebacker position. So can Abdul,” Thibodeaux continued. “We’ll see how they mic it up. But we’ll all be on the field at some point.”

In three years with the Giants, Thibodeaux recorded 127 combined tackles, 21 sacks, and 46 quarterback hits. He has also defended 11 passes, forced six fumbles, and had three fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

The Giants are set to face some of the most challenging opponents in 2025. In addition to having to face the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles twice, the Giants will play the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and several other competitive teams who made the playoffs last season.

With the incoming defense, Thibodeaux and the New York Giants will put pressure on their opponent’s offense throughout the season.

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