Thibodeaux doesn’t sound concerned about potential diminished role with presence of Abdul Carter
Ever since the New York Giants selected edge defender Abdul Carter No. 3 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Giants fans have been wondering how the team would find enough snaps for Carter and established edge defenders Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns.
Thibodeaux also seems curious, and not outwardly concerned about a potentially diminished role or an impact on his long-term future with the Giants.
“I think [Carter’s] a great player. We can use him in a lot of different ways,” said Thibodeaux, who was honored on Tuesday night at the Gridiron Gala as a hometown hero by the United Way of New York City for the work he has done in the community with his JREAM Foundation. “I’m excited to see him come in and grind and [see] what we’re going to get.”
The Giants recently picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option for 2026 at a value of $14.8 million. The 2022 No. 5 overall pick believes there is room for all three players.
“I think that is the outside linebacker position,” Thibodeaux said. “We’re those tweeners. If you look at my skill set, Brian’s skill set — Brian can rush inside. I can, but Brian is probably better rushing inside than I am. But Brian can rush inside. I can rush inside. He can rush from depth. I can rush from depth being at that linebacker position. So can Abdul.
“We’ll see how they mix it up. But we’ll all be on the field at some point.”
After drafting Carter, the Giants lauded his versatility to play in multiple spots. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, with Carter and several other valuable new pieces, will be charged with figuring out how to best employ all of his new weaponry.
Thibodeaux’s words, the Giants vow that all three can play together and there are never enough pass rushers, isn’t going to stop anyone from speculating about Thibodeaux’s future in New York. Or, putting him into trade rumors.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has, in fact, proposed a pair of potential trade destinations for Thibodeaux. He writes:
Now would be a great time for teams to inquire about Thibodeaux’s availability. He’s coming off an injury-impacted season (wrist), but he had 11.5 sacks in 2023 and won’t turn 25 until December.
The Carolina Panthers could look to pair Thibodeaux with second-round rookie Nic Scourton and third-round rookie Princely Umanmielen to form an exciting young edge rotation. Jadeveon Clowney was Carolina’s top edge-rusher in 2024, but he turned 32 in February.
The Packers, who didn’t add edge help until taking Barryn Sorrell in Round 4, should also see if Thibodeaux can be had. Perhaps they could acquire him for a package that includes Jaire Alexander.
Personally, I would hate to see the Giants move on from Thibodeaux before they see how or if they can make things work with the group they have. I don’t think they will.
Your thoughts, Giants fans?