As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants are entering a pivotal stretch that could shape the immediate and long-term future of their roster.
One of the most pressing issues on general manager Joe Schoen’s plate is deciding whether to exercise the fifth-year contract options for two of his first-round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft: edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and offensive tackle Evan Neal.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Schoen confirmed that the organization has yet to make a final determination on either player’s option, and noted that decisions will be made after the conclusion of the draft. The NFL deadline for teams to pick up fifth-year options on 2022 first-rounders is May 1.
Evan Neal’s Future in Doubt
While the Giants are weighing their options carefully, it appears increasingly likely that Evan Neal will not have his option picked up. Neal, who was selected No. 7 overall out of Alabama, has endured a challenging start to his NFL career.
Injuries and inconsistent play have limited his availability and effectiveness, and his development has stalled after being projected as a cornerstone of the offensive line.
Picking up Neal’s fifth-year option would mean guaranteeing him $16.7 million for the 2026 season, a substantial commitment for a player who has yet to perform at a consistent starter level.
Given the financial risk and his injury history, the Giants are reportedly considering letting Neal play out the final year of his rookie contract before reassessing his value in free agency next offseason.
The team is also expected to target offensive line help in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially signaling their readiness to move on from Neal if a viable upgrade becomes available.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Likely to Stay — But Not a Lock
Thibodeaux, selected fifth overall out of Oregon, has had a more promising start to his professional career than Neal, and is viewed as a key contributor to the Giants’ pass rush rotation. In 2024, he played in 12 games and registered 5.5 sacks and 14 tackles, despite missing a third of the season due to injuries.
His effort and flashes of dominance have kept him in the team’s long-term plans, though nothing has been finalized.
Exercising Thibodeaux’s option would cost the Giants $14.8 million in 2026, a more palatable figure considering his impact when healthy. Most analysts expect the team to pick up his option barring any major changes in the upcoming draft or unexpected trade scenarios.
However, his future isn’t without uncertainty. According to multiple reports, the Giants have shown serious interest in Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter, who is widely projected to be a top-three pick in the 2025 Draft. The team currently holds the No. 3 overall selection and could consider Carter if he is still available, depending on who the Cleveland Browns select at No. 2.
Adding another high-end edge rusher like Carter might indicate that the Giants are rethinking their defensive line configuration—or preparing for a future without Thibodeaux. In fact, trade rumors have already begun to swirl around the former Oregon standout, though no credible deals have been reported.
Draft Strategy Could Determine Both Outcomes
The fifth-year option decisions on both Neal and Thibodeaux could be influenced heavily by how the draft unfolds. The Giants are widely mocked to either select two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter, who could be deployed as a defensive back or receiver, or Abdul Carter, depending on which player is still available after the Browns pick.
If Carter goes to Cleveland at No. 2, that could increase the likelihood of Thibodeaux’s option being picked up. If Hunter is gone, and the Giants pounce on Carter, it might signal a shift in direction—and potentially place Thibodeaux’s roster spot in jeopardy.
Historically, the Giants have favored a deep defensive end rotation, a strategy that paid off during their Super Bowl runs under former GM Ernie Accorsi. That philosophy could justify keeping Thibodeaux even if another edge rusher is added.
In contrast, the situation with Neal seems far more clear-cut. Unless he shows significant progress or the Giants fail to address the offensive line during the draft, it appears unlikely that the team will commit $16.7 million to a player who has yet to earn it on the field.
What’s Next?
With just weeks remaining until the May 1 deadline, all eyes will be on the Giants’ draft decisions and how they impact the futures of two former top-10 picks. For Thibodeaux, the outcome may hinge on draft night. For Neal, the writing may already be on the wall.
Leave a Reply