New York Giants general manager Joe Shane has decided to go to Cavon Thibodeau in the coming weeks. Will he get a fifth-year option for linebacker, or is he at risk losing him in free agency next year?
Shane could go on a different route and sign a long-term contract extension to Thibodeau, but it appears likely he will exercise his fifth year option.
If Thibodeaux was more productive in 2024, then perhaps the extension would have been a more logical route, but that’s not how cookies fell apart.
“That’s the journey of life, man, you can’t decide what life will be.” Thibodeaux told the New York Post. “I think there’s an old Giannis Antetocomo video where he talks about the past. I think it’s ego, you talk about the future, it’s pride. When you live in that moment, it’s humility I think you realise what humility is actually, that you are human in this game of life. And understanding the only thing you can really do takes your path. It’s just that.
“And all I can do for myself is to continue climbing that mountain. I am absolutely not disappointed, definitely not sad or anything like that. I am very excelling at the continued opportunity that I am blessed with. I’m hungry.
If the Giants pick up Tibode’s fifth year option, they’ll pay him a $16.1 million guarantee in 2026. He also fulfills his obligation to play defensive football with an uncertain future and more impactful.
Thibodeaux wants more security, but the prospect of staying in New York for at least two seasons is appealing to him.
“I love the Giants, the super-encouraged man,” he said. “Obviously I hope I can stay here. The future is clearly in their hands, but I’m very excited. I think I’ve put out a decent movie. I’m not sure I’ll be the one to go with. I’m not saying that’s my best, I’m not saying that it’s my worst. But I know the ceiling is much higher.”
“A decent movie” certainly isn’t enough, and Tibode understands that. And that’s why he intends to attack the 2025 season with vitality and determination.
“This year, no matter what happens, I’m going to keep my best feet moving forward and continue to attack that gold jacket and Super Bowl mentality,” he said.
If Thibodeaux does that, it will be good news for the Giants’ defense and his future bank account.
