Kayvon Thibodeaux is eligible for a long-term commitment from the Giants, and not very long ago he figured he was on track to attain it.
At this time last year, Thibodeaux was coming off a fully healthy 2023 season, piling up 11.5 sacks and putting on display hints of the talent the Giants saw in him when they made him the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft.
A player qualifies for a contract extension three years into his career.
If Thibodeaux followed up his Year 2 progress with similar or even greater results, the Giants would have been open to getting something done with him to ensure he was with them for the long haul.
The Giants will not be doing that this offseason, and Thibodeaux is aware why not.
“Of course,” he said.
Of course he understands why the Giants will not be making any offers to him at this time. He did not accomplish in 2024 what he needed to.
He did not stay healthy, missing five games smack in the middle of the season with a fractured wrist. He did not build off anything, registering just 5.5 sacks, joining many of his teammates in struggling to adjust to a new defensive scheme.
This is why it makes no sense, from either side, to delve into contract talks.
Thibodeaux’s value is not where it needs to be.
He knows it and the Giants know it.
“That’s the journey of life, man, you can’t dictate how life goes,” Thibodeaux told The Post recently. “I think there’s the old Giannis Antetokounmpo video where he talks about the past, I think that’s ego, you talk about the future, that’s pride. When you live in the moment, that’s humility. I think what humility actually is, it’s realizing that you’re human in this game of life. And understanding the only thing you can really do is just stay on your path.
“And the best thing I can do for myself is just continue to climb that mountain. Definitely not disappointed, definitely not sad or anything like that. Just super-energized and hungry for the continuous opportunities I’m blessed with, and hopefully I have enough clarity and understanding to maximize it.”
Thibodeaux can surely turn a phrase.
Now he needs to turn a corner.
He is just 24 years old, and he is braced for what comes next. He will play for $1.1 million in 2025, finishing up his four-year, $31.3 million rookie deal.
The Giants have until May 1 to decide if they want to pick up his fifth-year option, which would guarantee him $16.1 million for the 2026 season.
The strong indication is general manager Joe Schoen will indeed pick up the option, figuring Thibodeaux is so young, plays a premium position — outside linebacker — and can continue to ascend despite last season’s detour.
This would give the Giants an edge rush duo of Thibodeaux and Brian Burns for at least the next two years.
The fifth-year option price tag is known to Thibodeaux — “I mean, yeah, of course,” he said — and realizing he will stay put through the 2026 season will be reassuring to him, once it is made official.
“Super-excited man, love the Giants,” he said. “Obviously, I hope I can continue to be here. The future’s in their hands, obviously, but I’m super-excited. I think I’ve put decent film out. I won’t say it’s my best, I won’t say it’s my worst. But I know the ceiling is a lot higher. Super-excited for this year, regardless of what happens, I’m just going to keep putting my best foot forward and attacking that Gold Jacket and Super Bowl mentality.”
For such a high draft pick, “decent film” and minimal “wow” factor is not nearly enough.
Thibodeaux has 21 sacks in 43 games.
George Karlaftis, taken with the 30th overall pick in the same 2022 draft, has 24.5 sacks in 49 games for the Chiefs.
This should not be taken as gospel, but Pro Football Focus graded Thibodeaux as the 56th-most effective pass rusher in the NFL in 2022. He ranked 92nd in 2023 and 35th in 2024.
Picking up the fifth-year option will be a decision that some fans — frustrated that he is not a star player — will not rally behind.
“The fans don’t call the shots,” Thibodeaux said. “Hopefully, the GM thinks I’m worth it.”
