Giants’ 3rd-year pass-rusher hoping for mentorship from new star teammate

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Credit: Michael Karas / USA TODAY NETWORK

The New York Giants are excited by the addition of superstar edge rusher Brian Burns, and third-year OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux is looking forward to learning from the two-time Pro Bowler.

Brian Burns is one of the Giants’ newest and greatest offseason additions

Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns (0) react after a sack in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Burns was traded to Big Blue this offseason from the Carolina Panthers. Immediately after the trade, Burns signed a five-year, $141 million deal with his new team, figuring to be a staple on the Giants’ defensive front for the foreseeable future.

Kayvon Thibodeaux is looking to make some noise in 2024

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Thibodeaux is coming off a breakout season in 2023, his second season in the NFL. After a rather lackluster rookie campaign that saw the former first-round pick accumulate just four sacks all year, Thibodeaux broke out for 11.5 sacks last season, becoming one of the NFL’s premier young pass rushers.

Thibodeaux is looking forward to learning from a player of Burns’ caliber

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Looking to make another leap in 2024, Thibodeaux is excited to learn new tricks alongside Burns, who has 46 sacks in his five seasons in the NFL. Speaking with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Thibodeaux expressed how he’s looking forward to sharing the gridiron with Burns.

“It’s exciting,” said Thibodeaux. “Me and Brian, we have a similar body type. We have a similar style of play. But he’s a little bit different. He’s faster, he’s quicker. He’s obviously farther in his career than I am, so there’s a lot of gems he’s been giving me.”

Friendly competition has been beneficial for Thibodeaux’s development as a player

Thibodeaux also says that the competitive spirit between the two defensive stalwarts has been beneficial for his development.

“He’s been able to help up my game a little bit, and I’ve been competing with him, giving him a few things I know, and it’s been great so far,” said Thibodeaux. “I’m excited to see what’s all to come from that.”

Thibodeaux, Burns, and the rest of the Giants’ defense will be looking to put the league on notice in 2024. Given the team’s rather lackluster offense in recent years, good performances from the Giants’ defensive front could give them a chance to make some noise in the NFC East.

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