The New York Giants opted to pick up the fifth-year option on edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux this May. However, that decision came after they had already made long-term investments in Brian Burns and Abdul Carter over the past two offseasons—moves that seem to indicate Thibodeaux may not be part of their future plans.
Despite the writing on the wall, Thibodeaux posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) on May 19, just before mandatory minicamp and what could be a defining 2025 season for him:
Kayvon Thibodeaux @kayvont
“Light may guide, but a king is born in the dark”
(Posted alongside a photo of him sacking Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr.)
While the post was somewhat cryptic, the message could be interpreted to mean that adversity—or time spent “in the dark”—can lead to personal growth and greatness. In other words, Thibodeaux may be embracing the challenges of this offseason as fuel to reach a new level in his play.
Thibodeaux Named Offseason’s Biggest ‘Loser’
On May 6, Dan Duggan of The Athletic published a post-draft breakdown naming the biggest winners and losers of the Giants’ offseason. Thibodeaux topped the “losers” list.
Duggan noted that something has to give with the Giants now having three top-tier edge rushers. With the team giving Brian Burns a $141 million contract last year and drafting Abdul Carter third overall in 2025, Thibodeaux—originally selected fifth overall in 2022—could be the odd man out.
While the Giants did pick up his $14.8 million option for the 2026 season, Duggan suggested they’ll likely reevaluate his role next offseason based on how the edge group performs this year. He added that it’s hard to imagine New York giving Thibodeaux a lucrative extension with so much already invested in Burns and Carter.
In the near term, playing time will likely be a juggling act. Duggan predicts Thibodeaux’s snap count—previously around 80%—will almost certainly decrease to make room for Carter.
How Will the Giants Deploy Thibodeaux in 2025?
The Giants have heavily reinforced their defensive front in 2025. Carter may be the headline acquisition, but he’s joined by free agents like Chauncey Golston, Roy Robertson-Harris, Jeremiah Ledbetter, and the now-injured Victor Dimukeje. They also drafted Darius Alexander in the third round.
This crowded defensive line group still includes holdovers like Dexter Lawrence, Elijah Chatman, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jordon Riley, D.J. Davidson, Tomon Fox—and, of course, Burns and Thibodeaux.
How defensive coordinator Shane Bowen plans to manage all these pieces remains to be seen, but Thibodeaux could shift from being a full-time starter to more of a situational pass rusher.
As Duggan pointed out, Thibodeaux’s production has generally relied on high usage. A reduced snap count might hurt his stats—but alternatively, it could help him stay fresh and become a more efficient pass rusher.
Either way, one thing is clear: 2025 is a pivotal season for Kayvon Thibodeaux as he fights to define his future in New York—or possibly elsewhere.