Giants Face Massive Deadline Decisions On Kayvon and Neal

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said Wednesday the team has not made a decision on the fifth-year options for former No. 1 draft choices Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal, who were drafted by Schoen in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Schoen said a decision on both will be made after the conclusion of the draft.

It is unlikely the team will exercise the option of Neal, who has been injured of late and was not very productive as a starter. Neal would cost the team a guaranteed $16.7 million for the 2026 season. The team might let him test free agency next spring and see if they can get an upgrade at the position through the draft.

Thibodeaux should be exercised as his cost would be slightly less for 2026 at $14.8 million, but he has been a more productive player for the Giants and is an integral part of their rotation on the defensive line. 

Thibodeaux had played in 12 games last season and had 5.5 sacks with 14 tackles. He missed a third of the season with various injuries. The former fifth pick of the draft from Oregon has shown promise and progress since he was selected

He might be considered expendable, though, if the Giants draft edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State with the third selection. And there has been trade gossip on him ahead of next week's NFL Draft.

However, the Giants have had a history of stocking defensive ends to build a rotation, which was successful during their Super Bowl seasons under former general manager Ernie Accorsi.

The Giants have been mocked to select either Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter or Carter. They are reportedly going to have a tremendous interest in whichever player is not selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 2. Obviously, if the Browns take Carter, it would speak volumes as to whether the Giants will exercise the option.

All NFL teams have a May 1 deadline to make their fifth-year option decisions.