Giants Pick Up Kayvon Thibodeaux's Contract Option After Carter Pick, Trade Rumors

The New York Giants have exercised their fifth-year option on outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, keeping him under contract with the team through the 2026 season.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen announced the news after selecting Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft on Thursday.

New York picking up Thibodeaux's fifth-year option comes after an NFL executive told The Athletic's Jeff Howe that the Giants could trade the edge-rusher for a third-round pick if they select Carter in this year's draft. 

The Giants selected Thibodeaux out of the University of Oregon with the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The 6'5", 258-pound Thibodeaux recorded 49 tackles, 13 quarterback hits and four sacks in 14 games as a rookie. He didn't post gaudy stats but had a penchant for game-breaking plays.

Of note, Thibodeaux sacked Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and forced a fumble recovered by then-teammate Leonard Williams to seal a 24-20 comeback win.

He also sacked then-Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke and recovered his own forced fumble for a touchdown in a 20-12 road win. It was a huge victory for the Giants, who were fighting the Commanders for a playoff berth.

In 2023, Thibodeaux had 50 tackles, 16 quarterback hits and 11.5 sacks in 17 games. He had two or more sacks in three games, including a three-sack, nine-tackle day in a 13-10 loss to the New York Jets.

In 2024, Thibodeaux missed five games due to a wrist injury that landed him on injured reserve. He still finished with a career-high 17 quarterback hits to go along with 28 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

Last year wasn't a great season for Thibodeaux and the Giants, who finished with a league-worst 3-14 record. However, it's clear New York has high hopes for him, and he's showcased his tremendous game-winning potential at times in the past. So it appears he'll be in town for two more years as the Giants look for brighter days.