Giants Keep Kayvon Thibodeaux on One-Year Deal After Refusing Extension

The decision removes his contract leverage and makes the 2026 season a prove-it year that will shape whether New York keeps him, trades him at the November deadline, or uses tag options later.

Overview

This spring the Giants exercised Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, guaranteeing him a $14.751 million salary for 2026 but no long-term extension.
Multiple outlets reported the team has declined to discuss an extension, a move that forces Thibodeaux to rebuild value on a one-year deal.
The Giants have deepened the edge group with veteran Brian Burns, 2025 pick Abdul Carter, and 2026 No. 5 pick Arvell Reese, which has pushed Thibodeaux down the depth chart.
New York shopped Thibodeaux during the draft and held out for roughly a second-round pick, with the New Orleans Saints reported as the closest suitor but unwilling to meet that price.
If traded the Giants would save about $14.8 million on the 2026 cap, so the team will reassess his market at the November trade deadline while Thibodeaux tries to restore his value on the field.