The excitement surrounding the New York Giants defense has been quietly building this offseason, and much of it centers around a new, dynamic pass-rushing duo that’s already creating waves within the organization. At the heart of this buzz is Giants rising star Kayvon Thibodeaux, who recently opened up about his anticipation and enthusiasm over lining up alongside one of the team’s most intriguing offseason additions: former Florida State standout and veteran edge rusher, Brian Burns.
In what many analysts consider one of the most impactful moves of the offseason, the Giants acquired Burns from the Carolina Panthers in a trade that shocked the NFL landscape. A proven Pro Bowl-caliber player, Burns brings with him an elite first step, refined pass-rushing moves, and experience anchoring a defense through both rebuilds and playoff pushes. But to Thibodeaux, Burns represents more than just a big-name addition. He’s a potential game-changer—someone who can not only take pressure off him on the edge, but also help unlock a new level of dominance for a defense that has long sought an identity.
Thibodeaux, entering his third season in the NFL, hasn’t been shy about his goals. Since being drafted No. 5 overall in 2022 out of Oregon, he’s made it clear he wants to be one of the best defenders in the league. He’s taken major strides in that direction, racking up 11.5 sacks in 2023 and showcasing an ability to impact games both as a pass rusher and a run defender. Still, he knows defenses don’t become elite because of one man—they become elite through cohesion, chemistry, and complementing skill sets.
That’s why he’s so excited about what’s to come.
Speaking to local reporters during voluntary workouts, Thibodeaux didn’t hold back his enthusiasm. “Man, it’s about to be scary,” he said with a grin. “You put a guy like Brian Burns on the other side, and now offenses have to pick their poison. You can’t double both of us. You can’t slide protection every play. It opens everything up.”
Thibodeaux’s words aren’t just hype. They reflect a deeper understanding of what Burns brings to the table. Since entering the league in 2019, Burns has notched 46 sacks and over 90 quarterback hits, consistently ranking among the NFL’s most disruptive edge rushers. He’s long been lauded for his speed off the edge, but his strength and ability to disengage from blocks have also evolved year over year. What he may have lacked in team success during his time in Carolina, he made up for in individual excellence and consistency.
That’s precisely the kind of presence the Giants have been missing.
In recent years, New York’s defense has shown flashes of potential—dominant showings against playoff-caliber teams, stretches of pressure-heavy play, and young talent that teased a breakthrough. But consistency has remained elusive. Injuries, scheme changes, and a lack of high-end depth along the defensive front have kept the unit from reaching its ceiling. The addition of Burns is meant to change that. And pairing him with a burgeoning force like Thibodeaux could finally give the Giants the fearsome front they’ve been chasing since the days of Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Osi Umenyiora.
Inside the Giants’ facility, the energy has shifted. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who joined the team earlier this year, has already begun crafting ways to utilize his two edge stars creatively. Sources inside the building say the plan is to move both Thibodeaux and Burns around—having them occasionally rush from the same side, drop into coverage, or even stunt inside to confuse protections. The idea is simple: don’t let the offense get comfortable. Keep quarterbacks guessing.
Burns, for his part, has embraced the opportunity. Speaking after his introductory press conference, he expressed excitement not only about joining the Giants, but specifically about playing with Thibodeaux. “I’ve been watching Kayvon since his college days,” Burns said. “He’s got that juice, that hunger. He’s relentless. I love that. I think we’re going to feed off each other and do some special things here.”
The mutual respect between the two edge rushers is evident. During practices, they’ve been spotted exchanging tips, discussing hand placement, and walking through different pass-rush counters after reps. To outside observers, it might seem like a mentor-mentee relationship, but in reality, it’s more of a partnership—two high-level athletes pushing one another to elevate their game.
Thibodeaux acknowledges that. “It’s not just about sacks,” he said. “It’s about pressure. It’s about collapsing the pocket, forcing bad throws, making quarterbacks uncomfortable. When you’ve got two guys coming off the edge like we can, the whole secondary benefits. The linebackers benefit. It changes the way teams call plays.”
Indeed, the ripple effect of adding Burns could be massive for the entire defense. With more consistent edge pressure, the Giants’ young secondary—featuring players like Deonte Banks and Jason Pinnock—won’t be forced to cover receivers for extended periods. Linebackers can play faster, and interior linemen can win more one-on-one matchups. It’s a domino effect, and Burns is the piece that sets it all in motion.
Beyond the Xs and Os, the move represents something bigger for the Giants—a shift in mindset. For years, the franchise has oscillated between rebuilding and retooling, trying to find the right combination of talent, coaching, and culture. The acquisition of Burns signals a belief that they’re ready to compete now. It’s a declaration that the time for waiting is over.
Thibodeaux has felt that urgency. “We’re not here to just play games,” he said. “We’re here to win. I want to be a part of something great, and I think this group has what it takes.”
There’s still work to be done, of course. Building chemistry, learning a new defensive scheme, and staying healthy will all be critical components of the Giants’ success in 2025. But the foundation is there, and the pieces are starting to align.
Veterans in the locker room have taken notice of the shift, too. Dexter Lawrence, the team’s All-Pro defensive tackle, called the duo of Thibodeaux and Burns “a nightmare for offenses.” He added, “You can already feel it. The way they move, the way they communicate—it’s different. It’s the kind of thing you build a defense around.”
Even head coach Brian Daboll, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, cracked a smile when asked about the pairing during a press conference. “We’re excited,” he said simply. “We’ve got some talented players, and it’s our job to put them in the best positions to succeed. That’s what we’re working on every day.”
Fans, too, are beginning to believe. Social media has been flooded with clips of Thibodeaux and Burns working together in offseason drills, and Giants faithful are dreaming of the kind of dominant defense that defined their past Super Bowl runs. It’s early, but the buzz is real.
As for Thibodeaux, he knows expectations are rising—but he welcomes the challenge. He’s always wanted to be the face of a franchise, the heartbeat of a dominant defense. Now, with Burns beside him, he might finally have the perfect partner in pursuit of greatness.
“You don’t get chances like this often,” Thibodeaux said. “Two guys who love the game, love to compete, and want to win—lining up together? That’s dangerous. And I think the league’s about to find out just how dangerous.”
The Giants may not be Super Bowl favorites yet, but with a revitalized pass rush built around two elite talents, they’re taking a major step in the right direction. The future is coming fast—and it might be faster than anyone expected.
