There are expected to be many changes to this New York Giants squad once the new league year hits this spring. Even though the obvious one is at the quarterback position, as they're slated to pick third overall in the upcoming NFL Draft, New York also has another decision to make with one of their former first-round selections.
Pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who the Giants drafted with the fifth overall pick back in 2022, is scheduled to have his fifth-year player option picked up or declined this offseason. Despite not setting the league on fire during his rookie season, as Thibodeaux only compiled four sacks, he has improved each year. After Big Blue's disastrous 2024 season, this should be a no-brainer if the Giants want to return to relevance in the ultra-competitive NFC East.
Should the Giants pick up Kayvon Thibodeaux's fifth-year option?
After that aforementioned four-sack rookie campaign in 2022, Thibodeaux turned things around in a major way during the 2023 season, racking up 11.5 sacks. Even though he had just 5.5 sacks the following season in 2024, the former Oregon Duck missed over a month due to a wrist injury he suffered in October.
Injuries have certainly been an issue for Thibodeaux. He also missed the first two games of the 2022 season after suffering a sprained MCL in the preseason. But when healthy, he's exactly the kind of pass rusher the Giants' defensive front needs. In just three seasons in the NFL, the 24-year-old has proven he can pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offensive lines while also emerging as a leader on defense.
Thibodeaux’s presence alongside Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence gives the Giants one of the best defensive lines in football. Despite a record-setting 14 losses in 2024, the Giants' defense started the year strong, allowing fewer than 21 points in each of their first six games. Sure, you can’t give all the credit to Thibodeaux and the defensive line, but they were certainly a factor.
Picking up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option should be a no-brainer for Joe Schoen and the Giants' front office. Injuries have been a concern, but they drafted him fifth overall for a reason. Pick up the option, keep him healthy, and expect another strong season from Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2025.