One of the biggest headlines of this NFL offseason was former NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley leaving Big Blue and signing with NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles. This news upset many Giants fans, who felt hurt by Saquon's decision to leave New York and join Philadelphia in 2024. Big Blue fans have already circled Week 7 on the schedule when the Eagles come to East Rutherford, and we can expect the two-time Pro Bowler to receive countless boos from the Giants faithful.
The Giants upgraded significantly in their pass-rushing department with the addition of Brian Burns. The team has also retained nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and will bring back third-year edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is in line for another breakout campaign in 2024 after totaling 11.5 sacks last season. With the added talent up front on Big Blue's defensive line, it's safe to say no opposing quarterbacks are safe this fall. The Giants trio of Burns, Lawrence, and Thibodeaux could break multiple sack records this year, leaving no opposing offensive line safe against the G-Men.
Thibodeaux recently went on the Rich Eisen Show and was asked about Saquon and his reaction to the 2018 first-round pick's decision to leave the Giants for the enemy. KT told Eisen it's a business, and he restated that Barkley felt he deserved what he received from the Eagles. Thibodeaux also told Eisen that he wishes No. 26 good luck and hopes he has 15 great games. Still, it will be a different story when he returns to MetLife Stadium in Week 7, and when both sides play each other again come Week 18 in Philly.
What can we expect from Kayvon Thibodeaux in 2024?
For the Giants, having Thibodeaux opposite Burns is a dangerous duo at both edge-rushing positions. Burns will not only help Thibodeaux's performance on the field, but will also serve as a mentor to the 2022 No. 5 overall pick off the field, similar to Haason Reddick's role when he played with Spider-Man on the Carolina Panthers in 2021.
Thibodeaux should only continue to improve and trend upward after his dominant 11.5 sack performance in 2023. KT has come out and said he is chasing the NFL's single-season sack record of 22.5, which was set by Michael Strahan in 2001. Thibodeaux also recently shared a special moment with Giants legend Lawrence Taylor, where No. 5 told LT how many sacks he had last year, and the two-time Super Champion jokingly asked if he only played three games.
Thibodeaux is chasing the sacks record and is eager to make big strides with the Giants in 2024. I expect KT to increase his numbers in 2024, especially with the supporting cast of Burns and Lawrence around him, and significantly impact the Giants' defense. He will make his presence known when the Eagles come to town in Week 7 and help show Barkley why he should regret his decision to leave the organization. You can imagine Thibodeaux will be playing with a chip on his shoulder and the Giants will make a statement when they see Barkley on the Eagles' sideline.
