New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen has a decision to make on Kayvon Thibodeaux in the coming weeks. Does he pick up the linebacker’s fifth-year option or does he risk losing him in free agency next year?
Schoen could go a different route and sign Thibodeaux to a long-term contract extension, but exercising his fifth-year option seems more likely.
Had Thibodeaux been more productive in 2024, perhaps an extension would have been a more logical route but that’s not the way the cookie crumbled.
“That’s the journey of life, man, you can’t dictate how life goes,” Thibodeaux told the New York Post. “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.”
If the Giants were to pick up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, it would pay him a guaranteed $16.1 million in 2026. It would also leave him as somewhat of a lame duck with an uncertain future and a mandate to play more impactful defensive football.
Although Thibodeaux would like more security, the prospect of remaining in New York for at least two more seasons is appealing to him.
“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.”
“Decent film” certainly isn’t enough and Thibodeaux understands that. And it’s why he intends to attack the 2025 season with vigor and determination.
“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,” he said.
If Thibodeaux does that, it will be good news for the Giants’ defense and his future bank account.
