New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said Wednesday that the team has yet to decide on the fifth-year options for 2022 first-round picks Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal. The final decision will come after the NFL Draft.
It’s unlikely the Giants will pick up Neal’s option due to his recent injury issues and lackluster performance as a starter. Exercising his option would cost the team $16.7 million in guaranteed salary for the 2026 season. Instead, the Giants may let Neal hit free agency next offseason while pursuing a potential upgrade in the draft.
Thibodeaux, on the other hand, is more likely to have his option picked up. His 2026 salary would be slightly less at $14.8 million, and he’s been a more effective and consistent contributor on the defensive front. Despite missing a third of last season due to injuries, Thibodeaux managed 5.5 sacks and 14 tackles over 12 games. The former No. 5 overall pick out of Oregon has shown steady development and remains a key piece of the Giants’ defensive rotation.
However, there are rumors that Thibodeaux could be on the trade block ahead of the draft. His future may also depend on whether the Giants select Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 pick. The team has also been linked to Colorado star Travis Hunter and is said to have strong interest in whichever of the two players—Carter or Hunter—is not taken by the Browns at No. 2.
The Giants have a history of building strong defensive end rotations, a strategy that paid off during their Super Bowl runs under former GM Ernie Accorsi. All teams must decide on fifth-year options by the May 1 deadline.
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