Kayvon Thibodeaux’s Future with the Giants Grows Uncertain as Harbaugh Era Begins
When the New York Giants selected Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it wasn’t just a bold move-it was a statement. Carter, a dynamic edge rusher with top-tier athleticism, joined a defense that already featured Brian Burns, who’s commanding a hefty $28.2 million annual salary. Naturally, that raised questions about Kayvon Thibodeaux’s role moving forward.
But rather than move on from the former fifth-overall pick, general manager Joe Schoen doubled down. He picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option immediately after the draft, signaling confidence in the 25-year-old’s future in blue.
Still, that vote of confidence hasn’t silenced the noise. If anything, Thibodeaux’s 2025 campaign only added more fuel to the fire.
Now, with veteran head coach John Harbaugh taking the reins in East Rutherford, the conversation around Thibodeaux’s future is heating up again-and this time, it might have legs.
The Oweh Connection: Familiar Face, Familiar Fit?
One name that’s surfaced in the discussion is Odafe Oweh, currently with the Los Angeles Chargers. Oweh was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2021-by none other than John Harbaugh-and his connection to the new Giants head coach is hard to ignore. After four seasons in Baltimore, Oweh was dealt midseason to the Chargers, where he’s continued to build on his reputation as a solid, if not spectacular, pass-rushing presence.
The idea of Oweh as a potential replacement for Thibodeaux isn’t just idle speculation. On paper, the two are nearly mirror images of each other:
| Player | Age | Size | Games Played | Career Sacks | QB Hits | Tackles for Loss | Durability |
|---|
| Kayvon Thibodeaux | 25 | 6'5", 258 lbs | 53 of 68 | 23.5 | 31 | 55 | Medium | | Odafe Oweh | 27 | 6'5", 251 lbs | 79 of 85 | 30.5 | 34 | 79 | Minor |
They even share the same birthday-December 15. But where Oweh edges ahead is availability.
He’s been more durable, more consistent, and in a league where injuries can derail entire seasons, that matters. A lot.
Thibodeaux’s talent isn’t in question. He’s flashed elite traits and has the kind of upside that makes coaches dream big. But injuries and a rocky 2025 season under an underwhelming defensive coordinator have cast doubt on whether he can be the cornerstone edge rusher the Giants hoped for when they drafted him.
Cap Space and Calculations
Even if the Giants are intrigued by the idea of bringing in Oweh, there’s a financial puzzle to solve. With Burns and Carter already on the payroll, cap space is tight.
And while Oweh isn’t likely to command top-of-the-market money, he’s still a 27-year-old pass rusher with a solid résumé. That means a price tag likely hovering around $15 million annually-reasonable, but not exactly a bargain.
Compare that to what Thibodeaux could cost once his rookie deal expires, and the decision gets even murkier. If the Giants believe Oweh offers similar production with fewer injury concerns and a slightly lower price tag, the math starts to favor a change.
Harbaugh’s Influence
Ultimately, this decision may come down to Harbaugh’s vision for the defense. If history is any indicator, he’s not shy about bringing in players he knows and trusts from his Ravens days. That could make Oweh more than just a hypothetical fit-it could make him a real target.
Harbaugh has always valued dependable edge play, and Oweh fits the mold of what he’s typically looked for: long, athletic, and scheme-versatile. If Harbaugh believes Oweh can step in and produce at a high level in his system, the Giants might be more open to moving on from Thibodeaux-especially if they can get value for him before his contract runs out.
High Risk vs. Safe Bet
This isn’t a simple decision. Thibodeaux still has the potential to be a game-wrecker.
He’s younger, more explosive when healthy, and could thrive under a new defensive staff. But Oweh offers a safer floor-less volatility, more reliability.
It’s the classic NFL dilemma: do you bet on upside or go with the steady hand? With a new regime in place and a defense already flush with talent, the Giants may not want to wait around to see if Thibodeaux can put it all together. If Harbaugh sees Oweh as a better fit for what he wants to build, don’t be surprised if the Giants make a move.
One thing’s clear: the edge room in New York is getting crowded, and decisions are coming. Whether Thibodeaux remains a part of the long-term plan or becomes a trade chip in the Harbaugh era, the next few months will be telling.