Good decisions don’t always feel like wins right away. They often need time to show their value — and even longer to quiet the doubts. That’s exactly the position the New York Giants are in after deciding to retain one player while moving on from another.
By declining Evan Neal’s fifth-year option but exercising Kayvon Thibodeaux’s, the Giants signaled continued belief — though it’s not without reservations.
Thibodeaux brings promise, but also inconsistency.
Drafted fifth overall in 2022, he hasn’t yet emerged as the dominant edge rusher many hoped for. At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, he’s got all the physical tools of a game-changer, but his on-field results have varied.
In 2023, he logged 38 pressures and six sacks over 358 pass-rushing snaps — decent numbers, but far from elite. More concerning was his missed tackle rate, which spiked to 27.6%, nearly twice his previous worst.
That kind of inconsistency is costly, especially in tight late-game scenarios.
Still, flashes of his potential keep the hope alive.
Back in 2022, Thibodeaux posted 43 pressures and 13 sacks in 520 snaps — a breakout performance that showed just how disruptive he can be when he’s at his best.
The Giants are banking on a return to that form, committing $14.75 million for 2026 to see if they can unlock it again.
This move is more about opportunity than certainty.
By picking up his fifth-year option, the Giants gain two more years to develop him without committing long-term. It’s a strategic gamble — not a full endorsement, but not a rejection either.
They’re keeping the door open, and they want to look through it before slamming it shut.
Kayvon Thibodeaux
And Thibodeaux won’t be doing it alone.
With the additions of Abdul Carter and Darius Alexander, New York now has more defensive depth. Thibodeaux won’t have to shoulder the entire load. Instead, he can focus on creating impact plays in key moments — the type of edge rusher role that suits him best.
Fresh legs and reduced pressure could help him thrive — especially in a division where one sack can flip a season.
Time is short, but the reward could be significant.
Thibodeaux still needs to prove he can deliver consistently. But he has the talent, the time, and now a more supportive cast. If he takes the next step, this could turn out to be a bargain. If not, the Giants can move on without regret.
In the end, betting on potential — even with risk — can be the smartest move.
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