Ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, analysts viewed Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux as a dynamic defensive end with explosive talent and relentless drive. But Thibodeaux has struggled to live up to that hype and his No. 5 overall draft spot three seasons into his young career.
Thibodeaux’s future with the New York Giants remains a subject of speculation and hope. He was candid about facing the challenges of adapting to the NFL level while he continues to refine his skills and embrace opportunities to grow on and off the field.
New York Giants Kayvon Thibodeaux Continues to ‘Climb That Mountain’
Thibodeaux’s 2024 campaign went much like the Giants: All sizzle, no steak.
After managing to play a full slate of games in his sophomore season and racking up a team-leading 11.5 sacks, a wrist injury sidelined Thibodeaux for five games. He finished with six fewer sacks amid a disappointing 3-14 season.
Since Thibodeaux’s rookie season—when the unexpected Giants secured a playoff berth at 9-7-1—New York’s win totals have dipped by three each year. This steady decline has presented the team’s leadership with a critical juncture to reverse the trend while the pass rusher faces the challenge of returning to peak form.
“The best thing I can do for myself is just continue to climb that mountain,” Thibodeaux told New York Post’s Paul Schwartz. “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 Embraces Role, Future With Giants
Thibodeaux is eligible for a fifth-year option as a first-round pick, a projected $16.5 million. He expressed excitement when discussing his future in New York. He explained, “Super excited, man, love the Giants. I hope I can continue to be here. The future’s in their hands, but I’m super excited.”
The former first-round draft pick is torn over how his career has started but is confident he can improve. “I think I’ve put decent film out. I won’t say it’s my best, I won’t say it’s my worst,” Thibodeaux said. “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.”
Thibodeaux is clearly not discouraged and is fully aware that a lot of work lies ahead. He’s all in on taking advantage of every opportunity to improve his game.
Thibodeaux’s Future with Giants Is in GM Joe Schoen’s Hands
New York’s 2024 draft class may have saved Giants general manager Joe Schoen’s job, but what he does with Thibodeaux — Schoen’s first pick as a GM — is just as critical.
Thibodeaux remarked, addressing the team’s decision-making process, “The fans don’t call the shots. Hopefully, the GM thinks I’m worth it.”
Giants fans haven’t spoken kindly of Thibodeaux, but Schoen’s thoughts are the only ones that truly count. He saw enough in Thibodeaux to make him the first pick of his career as a GM. Will Schoen continue to see that in him before May 1 rolls around?