Extension Talks for 2022 New York Draft Pick Fall Flat During Offseason
The New York Football Giants have definitely spent time this season putting much-needed work into their defensive line. Head coach John Harbaugh has focused on both sides of the ball; however, he has placed heavy emphasis on the defensive line. That said, the New York head coach has kept an eye on certain players, while others have been left to practice but will most likely not play much in the Meadowlands this season. One of those defensive edge rushers is Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Thibodeaux was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft as the number five pick for Big Blue. The 25-year-old was supposed to be the type of player who would come in and get the job done. However, this edge rusher quickly fell short of what he was supposed to do. The California product has 23.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss across 53 games over the last four years with New York. He had 11.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. After that, his playing time declined over the last few seasons due to injuries, and the Giants added Brian Burns and Abdul Carter to the roster, further reducing it.
New York has been very quiet as to what they would like to do with Thibodeaux this coming season. Though he has been attending practices, there’s still a lot of work to do to prove he can start. New York has not even engaged in conversations with the edge rusher about his contract extension after he plays this year. At the moment, he is under a fifth-year option with a $14.7 million full guarantee, signed back in 2025. After this season, the first-round pick is set to go into free agency if he does not prove to them what he can do.
The Giants edge rusher has had a few decent moments with the Giants. He just hasn't had many who have shown Harbaugh he should stick with the team. Harbaugh wants players who can pull their weight. Thibodeaux can, but it has been harder on him because of the lack of a defensive line to work with. However, there is still time early in the offseason to see what New York may offer him.
