Kayvon Thibodeaux explains why Saquon Barkley's contract dispute led to Giants exit - "RB is that sacrificial lamb"
Kayvon Thibodeaux is among the New York Giants' potential homegrown stars of the future, alongside the very prolific nose tackle, Dexter Lawrence. But there could have been at least three of them - another being two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, who left for divisional rival Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent during the offseason.
Speaking on Tuesday's episode of The Pivot Podcast, the linebacker shared his thoughts on his former teammate's departure:
"Running back is that sacrificial lamb. It's the guy who's getting the ball 30 times a game. I'm on a plane, sitting next to him, seeing how beat up he is after a win or loss, seeing whether he gets the ball. He doesn't get the ball; he's still beat up because there are so many guys coming after him.
"So when you're in that sport and you're playing for the guys next to you, it hurts when you know that this heart and soul of your team doesn't feel that he's getting treated regardless of really what I feel about it."
Kayvon Thibodeaux wants to become the best edge rusher of the 2024-25 season
Kayvon Thibodeaux gained some new cohorts in former Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns and ex-Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney this season. He expressed his belief that they will elevate his play to another level.
And by "another level", he means "the best". In the same interview, Thibodeaux said (28:13 to begin):
“I’m trying to be the best in the run and the pass. You know everybody is always talking about sacks, but are you setting the edge. But I want to be an all around four-down player, I want to help my team win... I’m here to get sacks. I want a lot of them, now, tomorrow, everyday. Every time I’m here I’m going for the record.”
He also had a very bold career goal for himself and his fellow members of the Giants' front seven (27:38 to begin):
“I think Dex, Bobby, Burns, and myself personally, with the right coaching, and the right stuff could be Hall of Famers one day.”
The full video can be seen below: