The New York Giants have some high hopes for a defense that is looking to rebound this season.
Going into the second season under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, the defensive line is expected to lead the charge.
With superstar Brian Burns under contract, the Giants also spent the No. 3 overall pick on Penn State star Abdul Carter.
While it may have seemed initially that former first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux would be an odd man out, he was named the team’s top candidate to receive a contract extension, per CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan.
Thibodeaux is under contract through the 2026 season, with the Giants previously picking up his fifth-year option. At some point, the 24-year-old should command a big contract, but there is a twinge of a question as to whether or not it’ll be New York that gives it to him. Thibodeaux has an 11.5-sack season on his résumé and was productive last season despite being limited to 12 games in 2024. However, the Giants did trade for and sign Brian Burns last offseason and used the No. 3 overall pick on Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter this spring. Do they triple down with Thibodeaux? There is a case to be made to do so, especially if he returns to form and is healthy throughout 2025.
The Giants picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option so there’s a chance he gets extended before the 2026 season arrives. New York may want to see how he fares during the upcoming campaign, though.
General manager Joe Schoen immediately shut down trade rumors surrounding Thibodeaux during a press conference after the Giants selected Carter on the first night of the draft so it seems unlikely they will part ways with him.
If Thibodeaux takes the next step in his career, the Giants could have one of the best pass-rushing corps in the NFL locked up for the foreseeable future.
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