Kayvon Thibodeaux has much to prove in 2026 with contract on the line

Since entering the league as the fifth overall pick in 2022, inconsistency and injuries have plagued New York Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. He's been available for just 53 of 67 games, with just eight total sacks over the past two seasons including a career-low 2.5 in 2025.

But the former Oregon Ducks' highs are certainly high, as he registered 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles while finally putting it all together with his 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame off the edge. His next two seasons, as mentioned, did not go as planned, leading the Giants to stave off from signing him to a contract extension — especially with the presence of other players at his position.

During Thibodeaux's four-year tenure in New York, they traded for star edge rusher Brian Burns before drafting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter No. 3 overall in 2025, this relegating the former Duck to a reserve/rotational role.

With that as a backdrop, plus the injuries that seem to crop up each season, Thibodeaux and the Giants are at a crossroads after shopping him in the trade market over the past few months but finding no taker. He's been listed as the player on New York's roster with the most on the line in 2026, according to The Athletic.

"The Giants listened to trade calls on Thibodeaux this offseason, but elected to keep the No. 5 pick from the 2022 draft when the offers were underwhelming," The Athletic's Dan Duggan wrote. "Thibodeaux was available because the Giants traded for Brian Burns in 2024 and drafted Abdul Carter in 2025. Thibodeaux is set to earn $14.75 million on his fifth-year option as a backup. Though he won’t start, Thibodeaux will have opportunities to rush the passer. If he produces an 11.5-sack season like he did in 2023, a monster payday awaits."

The pressure is on Thibodeaux to deliver a strong season, and if he doesn't, he very well could be on a new team on a low-cost, prove-it deal next offseason. But if he does show up and deliver, he'll likely capitalize on a free agency market that places a premium on players who can get to the quarterback.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Kayvon Thibodeaux has much to prove in 2026 with contract on the line