Pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is not what the New York Giants thought he'd be when they made him the fifth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, to the point that some fans are labeling him a bust following his third pro season.
During a recent chat with Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, Thibodeaux acknowledged he has plenty to prove from offseason workouts through the fall.
"That’s the journey of life, man," Thibodeaux explained. "You can’t dictate how life goes ... 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."
While Thibodeaux finished his rookie season with four sacks across 14 games, there was hope that he turned a figurative corner when he tallied 11.5 sacks over 17 contests in his second campaign. However, he missed time this past fall after he suffered a wrist injury that left him needing surgery. Additionally, the 24-year-old wasn't much of a game-changer when on the field even though the Giants acquired star pass-rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers in the offseason. In total, Thibodeaux finished Week 18 in January with just 5.5 sacks over 12 games.
Schwartz shared that "the strong indication is general manager Joe Schoen will" pick up the fifth-year option for the 2026 season attached to Thibodeaux's rookie contract by the May 1 deadline for such decisions. Thibodeaux understands that could be an unpopular move in the eyes of fans who have already given up on him.
"The fans don’t call the shots," Thibodeaux said. "Hopefully, the GM thinks I’m worth it."
Thibodeaux added that he hopes he "can continue to be" with the Giants for years to come. With that said, both Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll could be shown the door if the 2025 Giants don't at least flirt with making the playoffs.
One can only guess how a different regime would view Thibodeaux roughly 12 months from now. Thus, it's safe to say everybody involved would benefit from the former Oregon star having a career season as a fourth-year pro.
