Giants standout Kayvon Thibodeaux makes something clear about Abdul Carter ahead of 2025 NFL season

The New York Giants are one of several NFL franchises looking to turn things around after recent seasons, and a key part of that plan is building a roster capable of rising to the occasion. The addition of Abdul Carter Jr. in the latest draft has sparked excitement—not just among team fans, but also within the locker room, including from standout linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux.

For the first time in a long while, Brian Daboll will have two high-caliber linebackers at his disposal—players ready to give it their all to help lead the Giants back to the postseason after a lengthy drought.

In recent comments to the media, Thibodeaux expressed his excitement about teaming up with the former Penn State standout, highlighting Carter’s versatility as one of his greatest assets on the field.

“I think [Carter’s] a great player. We can use him in a lot of different ways,” Thibodeaux said on Tuesday night at the Gridiron Gala, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN. “I’m excited to see him come in and grind and [see] what we’re going to get.”

Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants celebrates after sacking quarterback Sam Howell #14 of the Washington Commanders at FedExField on November 19, 2023 in Landover, Maryland.

A strong and revitalized Giants pass rush unit

Last season, Thibodeaux helped anchor a strong pass rush unit alongside veteran Brian Burns. Now, with the arrival of Abdul Carter in the Big Apple, one of Brian Daboll’s biggest strengths gets an even bigger boost—as the Giants aim to keep their standards sky-high.

“I think that is the outside linebacker position,” Thibodeaux said. “We’re those tweeners. If you look at my skill set, Brian’s skill set — Brian can rush inside. I can, but Brian is probably better rushing inside than I am. But Brian can rush inside. I can rush inside. He can rush from depth. I can rush from depth being at that linebacker position. So can Abdul.

“We’ll see how they mix it up. But we’ll all be on the field at some point,” the talented linebacker finally stated.