The growth that NY Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas was able to showcase this season was incredible to see. Goodness, Thomas was fantastic in 2022, leading to him being named to the Second Team All-Pro squad. Some are arguing that he belonged on the First Team, but that’s a discussion for another time.
Entering the 2023 campaign, Thomas has some lofty goals and you know he’s got that First Team on his mind. However, he’s probably furious that he was a Pro Bowl snub this season, which still doesn’t make an ounce of sense.
Thomas will be even angrier when he finds out that snub is going to cost him some serious coin. The NFL released its numbers for fifth-year option salaries for members of the 2020 class, and it’ll cost NY $14.1 million for Thomas in 2024.
Andrew Thomas’ Pro Bowl snub this season cost him $2.5M on his fifth-year option https://t.co/FTzwHQJUz4
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) February 7, 2023
NY Giants fifth-year option cost for LT Andrew Thomas has been set
The deadline to make a decision on Thomas’ fifth-year option is the week after the draft. By early May, it’s expected that the Giants will lock this decision in, but had Thomas made his way to the Pro Bowl this winter, his 2024 option would have been around $16.6 million instead of $14.1 million.
In a year where the offensive line once again struggled, Thomas was the rock for the group. He was downright electric and did incredible work not only protecting Daniel Jones’ blindside, but also opening up massive holes for star running back Saquon Barkley.
With how terrible the interior offensive line played, Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will surely look to address this in the 2023 NFL Draft. The tackle spots are taken care of, though, with Thomas at LT and everyone hoping right tackle Evan Neal can show major improvements next season. Neal was inconsistent, but the potential is there.
As for Thomas’ $2.5 million hit, this could all prove to be meaningless if the Giants are able to give him a monster extension – one he deserves. If he does play 2024 on that option, though, then he and Giants fans everywhere will be irate. How about we reward players for All-Pro honors instead of a meaningless flag football game the week before the Super Bowl. Give us a break.
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