To pay $87 million, or not to pay $87 million, that is the question. New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has a pretty major decision coming up on fourth-year pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Assuming the 24-year-old isn’t moved before the trade deadline, that is.
Earlier in the offseason, the G-Men picked up Thibs’ fifth-year option. The move came immediately after they selected rookie outside linebacker Abdul Carter third overall. While it might have been largely viewed as an attempt to keep KT on the team a bit longer, the opposite side suggested that buying into another guaranteed year on his rookie deal might make him a more valuable trade asset.
Related: Kayvon Thibodeaux’s breakout couldn’t be worse for Giants front office
He’s certainly Big Blue’s biggest trade chip, but he’s been performing at a high level this year, helping them become the most competitive 2-5 team in the league. However, Spotrac’s calculated market value on his next contract might put Schoen in a bind. Is the former fifth-overall pick worth a four-year, $87 million extension? His performance this year would suggest so.
Kayvon Thibodeaux’s projected next contract muddies trade deadline decision
On the surface, it’s fair to assume Schoen and Co. want no part of dealing Thibodeaux. While his 2.5 sacks in seven games leave a lot to be desired, he’s done an excellent job this year at becoming so much more than just a pass rusher — he’s developed into a well-rounded defender.
It’s been the emergence of his run defense that’s really stood out. He’s second among edge rushers in run-stop percentage at 10.6%, and 31.25% of his tackles this season have gone for a loss. But with Brian Burns leading the league in sacks with 9.0, and Carter looking every bit the future game-wrecker fans were promised, is improved run defense enough to keep him in Giants blue?
That 2022 draft class might finally be coming alive in 2025 — Wan’Dale Robinson, Cor’Dale Flott, and Daniel Bellinger are all taking clear steps forward, plus Micah McFadden’s deal is up after this year too, likely making future contract extensions play a major role in who gets kept and who moves on.
With just under two weeks until the November 4 trade deadline, Thibodeaux’s name is appearing all over the place in trade rumors. However, there seems to be mountains of hesitation to move on from him, at least for now. Maybe things change in the next two weeks.
If the Giants are staring down a 2-7 record at the deadline and the perfect offer comes through, perhaps the enticing assets and projected monster contract sway Schoen into a decision he feels obligated to make.
Still, a projected $22 million per year for a 24-year-old well-rounded pass-rusher who’s still oozing potential feels like a safe bet. Schoen’s pick here won’t just affect Thibodeaux — it will speak volumes about how this front office views this rebuild.