New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is playing to prove he deserves another contract after the team exercised his fifth-year option.
On a fully guaranteed $14.75 million contract, Thibodeaux's role will become even more important after recent news of star edge rusher Brian Burns' ankle injury. Though Burns will avoid surgery, he remains questionable for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.
The Giants will need Thibodeaux, along with second-year edge rusher Abdul Carter, to step up in the event of Burns' absence. That is still the expectation, says outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen.
#NYGiants Bullen - thibs will be ready and expect him to play great...done a good job when playing inside, too
— GiantsWFAN (@giantswfan) September 25, 2026
Thibodeaux has yet to record a sack
this season, and even though he has four total pressures through two games, three of them came in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. On top of that, PFF reports the 25-year-old has recorded a 0.0% pass-rush win rate on 33 pass-rush snaps.
Not a great look.
Thibodeaux hasn't lived up to his price tag as a first-round selection. He's played a full season just once in his career and has recorded more than 5.5 sacks just once in his five campaigns.
The once-promising edge rusher still has a lot to prove if he's going to get a substantial second contract. He'll certainly have the opportunity if Burns misses any time.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants still expecting great things from Kayvon Thibodeaux
