Kayvon Thibodeaux joined the Giants amidst major expectations in 2022. The former No. 5 pick has certainly shown flashes of his potential since then, although further development would certainly be welcomed over the coming years. 
As a former first-round pick, Thibodeaux is eligible for to have his fifth-year option picked up. A decision on that front will need to be made this spring as the Giants plan their edge rush outlook for the future. While labeling the call a “tricky one” for New York, Dan Duggan of The Athletic writes it can be expected Thibodeaux’s 2026 option will be picked up (subscription required).
The 24-year-old immediately took on a starting role as a rookie, notching four sacks and 18 pressures. Thibodeaux took a notable step forward in Year 2, increasing those figures to 11.5 and 35, respectively. The Giants added to their OLB contingent last offseason by trading for Brian Burns, an accomplished sack artist who added to his total in that department with 8.5 in 2024. Thibodeaux’s output regressed compared to last year, although being limited to 12 games obviously played a role in that.
Without a Pro Bowl to his name, the Oregon product would be in line for $16.06MM in 2026 in the event the Giants picked up his option (h/t Over the Cap). That figure would be fully guaranteed, but it would fall well short of where many of the league’s top edge rushers will find themselves in terms of annual compensation by that point (especially considering where the market is likely headed this offseason). Still, such a commitment would be much easier on the team’s part if Thibodeaux had managed to make a larger impact in the early stages of his career.
New York has had Azeez Ojulari in the fold for the past four years, but given the presence of Thibodeaux and Burns, he was considered a logical trade candidate at the deadline. The Giants elected to retain Ojulari, although he is still in position to depart on the open market in pursuit of a larger role on a new team. Provided that takes place, Thibodeaux will be in line to remain a key starter for years to come and exercising his option would no doubt become an easier decision for the Giants.
Teams have until May 1 to pick up or decline the options on their 2022 first-round picks. Plenty of time therefore remains for the Giants to contemplate Thibodeaux’s future with free agency and the draft approaching. Still, his situation will be one to monitor as the offseason unfolds.