Kayvon Thibodeaux inspired by Lawrence Taylor, other great Giants pass rushers

Thibodeaux’s 11.5 sacks last season represented a significant jump from his four as a rookie, though he did not record a sack over his final four games in 2023.

The blockbuster addition of Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler who just turned 26, should help take pressure off of Thibodeaux with opposing offensive lines now needing to account for both.

The Giants traded a second-round pick and a fifth-round pick to the Carolina Panthers to acquire Burns, then gave him a five-year, $141 million contract. Burns boasts at least 7.5 sacks in each of his five NFL seasons, including a career-best 12.5 in 2022.

“It’s not a big contact camp, but he’s been a hard guy to block in spring, regardless of what side he’s lined up on,” Giants head coach Brian Daboll said of Burns during Thursday’s event.

“I’d say he’s an exceptional teammate. I know that Dex is happy that he’s here. [Bobby] Okereke, Thibs, a bunch of the guys. He’s fit right in with the group and with our culture and what we’re trying to build.”

Thibodeaux and Burns fit into new defensive coordinator Shane Bowne’s 3-4 base defense as the edge pass rushers who line up outside of three down lineman.

A preview clip of the offseason edition of “Hard Knocks” featuring the Giants that aired at Thursday’s event showed Bowen breaking down the importance of pass rushers in his scheme.

“I want guys that attack,” Bowen said in the clip. “We’re going to be structured by having four elite pass rushers up front. Four guys we can line up, put their damn hand down, go win.”

That conversation came shortly before the Giants acquired Burns.

“I don’t gas anybody up,” Thibodeaux said Thursday. “I talk a lot s–t, I’ll be honest with you. Brian Burns is nice. He’s legit. You talk about his leadership, his mentorship, him dropping gems and us being able to challenge each other, compete.”

Thibodeaux continued, “Right now, my girlfriend’s mad because I can’t stop talking about greatness. But I’m telling you, we’re going to achieve it.”

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