Last month’s Dexter Lawrence trade means that Andrew Thomas is the New York Giants’ longest-tenured player.
Early talks with John Harbaugh made it clear that Thomas would maintain that role.
Not that Thomas, a former All-Pro left tackle, intended to seek a trade this offseason.
However, Thomas recently shared that Harbaugh called him shortly after taking the Giants’ job in January.
Thomas recalled that Harbaugh explained how he sees the 2020 No. 4 pick as the “catalyst” of the offensive line.
“A true ball coach, so I was excited that he’s going to come here and hopefully get things going in the right direction,” Thomas said.
“The respect that he demands, you can just tell by the way everybody reacts to him when they’re speaking to him that he’s been there before,” Thomas continued. “There is a different confidence that he has that you can feel as a player.”
John Harbaugh has his work cut out for him with the Giants’ offensive line
Harbaugh’s arrival, coupled with the Lawrence trade, makes it easy to believe the entire Giants roster is markedly different.
Tell that to the men tasked with keeping Jaxson Dart on his feet. Counting Thomas, the Giants return four of their offensive line starters. Whether or not that is the case come 2027 is another question entirely. Dart was evaluated for concussions at least five times as a rookie. He missed two games as a result.
Concerns have already begun mounting about Dart’s durability. Yet, Harbaugh and Joe Schoen opted to mostly run it back with the offensive line.
Interestingly, Pro Football Focus considered the Giants’ offensive line No. 9 last year despite Dart’s injuries and their 4-13 record. Left guard Jon Runyan and center John Michael Schmitz are entering their final years before free agency.
Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor signed a three-year extension earlier this year, guaranteeing him $26 million in the process.
The Giants used the No. 10 pick, acquired in the Lawrence trade, on Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
Mauigoa, an All-American right tackle, will move inside and play right guard. Then, there’s Thomas, who is working through a shoulder injury.
Thomas also still requires treatment on the Lisfranc foot injury that has cost him 13 games since the start of 2024.
There is no indication that Thomas, who is under contract through 2029, will be unable to play against the Cowboys in Week 1.
The Giants are nonetheless limiting Thomas’ spring workload. Marcus Mbow, a 2025 fifth-round pick, recently took left tackle snaps in Thomas’ absence.
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