The New York Giants made a significant impact in the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighted by their selection of Abdul Carter with the third overall pick and promising quarterback Jaxson Dart. However, the most noteworthy player may be undrafted guard Jake Kubas, poised to challenge Evan Neal for a starting role. Kubas, who had a strong rookie season with a 76.7 run-block grade, is seen as a potential game-changer for the Giants' offensive line.

With the Giants declining Neal's fifth-year option, his career in New York hangs in the balance. The team also added lineman Marcus Mbow from Purdue, indicating a strategic shift towards bolstering their offensive line depth. As the Giants prepare for the upcoming season, the competition for starting positions, especially at guard, could define their success in 2025.

The New York Giants have officially exercised the fifth-year option on their 2022 first-round pick, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux. This decision comes in the wake of selecting Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter third overall, sparking speculation about Thibodeaux's future with the team. General Manager Joe Schoen dismissed trade rumors, affirming the team's excitement to retain Thibodeaux, citing the importance of depth in their pass-rushing unit.

Thibodeaux's fifth-year option, which is fully guaranteed at $14.1 million, ensures he remains with the Giants for the next two seasons, while carrying a $9.9 million cap hit for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the Giants chose to decline the option for their other 2022 first-round pick, offensive tackle Evan Neal, who has struggled with injuries and performance issues. As Thibodeaux heads into his fourth season, he has recorded 21 sacks in 43 games, making his retention crucial for the Giants' defensive strategy.

The New York Giants' general manager, Joe Schoen, faces a pivotal moment as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, marking his fourth year in charge. This year's draft brings the option of extending the contracts of key first-round picks from his inaugural draft. Kayvon Thibodeaux, a standout edge rusher, will see his fifth-year option exercised, a testament to his potential. In contrast, the Giants have opted against extending the contract of Evan Neal. Once a highly touted offensive tackle, Neal has struggled with injuries and performance issues, ultimately losing his starting role to veteran Jermaine Eluemunor.

As the Giants navigate these critical decisions, they also welcome fifth-round pick Marcus Mbow to the offensive line mix. Mbow's addition complicates Neal's situation further, as he may need to transition positions. While Neal's skills in run blocking may facilitate a move to guard, the lingering issues in his pass protection remain a concern. The Giants are keen to evaluate Neal this season before deciding his future, with his status as a former first-round pick meaning a cut would incur significant dead cap. This creates an intense competition as Neal vies to prove he belongs on the roster, especially with new faces like Mbow, Josh Ezeudu, and others pushing for their spots.

As the New York Giants prepare for the upcoming training camp, the offensive line is expected to remain intact, a promising development for a unit that has faced significant challenges. General Manager Joe Schoen has made key additions through free agency, and with players like Andrew Thomas recovering well from injury, the Giants are optimistic about their starting lineup for the 2025 season.

However, Evan Neal's future with the team is uncertain. The former first-round pick has struggled since being drafted, leading to questions about his role and potential release. Schoen hinted that a significant improvement in Neal's performance is crucial for his continuation with the Giants, emphasizing that the organization might be ready for a fresh start.

The New York Giants' offensive line, a frequent target of criticism, is set to become one of the NFL's most financially burdensome units in 2025, with a projected cost of $67.7 million. This figure ranks third in the league, trailing only the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs, who have allocated $95.3 million and $81.5 million, respectively.

The Giants' investment is spread across 14 players, with left tackle Andrew Thomas leading the charge at a staggering $21 million cap hit. Other key figures include guard Jon Runyan Jr. at $11.7 million and both Jermaine Eluemunor and Evan Neal at $9.2 million and $7.8 million, respectively. Despite this financial commitment, injuries and inconsistent performance have hampered the unit's effectiveness, leading to skepticism about the Giants' long-term strategy concerning their offensive line.