The careers of Andrew Thomas and Dexter Lawrence are the same in a lot of ways.
Both were Giants’ first-round draft picks who developed into Second-Team All-Pros. Both signed contract extensions — just 83 days apart. Both sacrifice their bodies in the trenches even though their individual dominance hasn’t prevented a steady stream of losses and coaching changes.
But that’s where the similarities stop because Lawrence grew tired of rebuilding and requested a trade, ending six years as teammates with Thomas by landing with the Bengals. Thomas, who has $82.1 million remaining on a contract through 2029, isn’t following suit.
“All I can do is control what I can control, and that’s trying to be the best player and the best leader I can be,” the 27-year-old left tackle said. “If I want this place to reach the goals we have set, I’ve got to be a part of that, so that’s what I’m trying to do.”
Head coach John Harbaugh considers Thomas a foundational piece — often citing him alongside quarterback Jaxson Dart and a stable of pass-rushers as the roster pieces that made the Giants an attractive vacancy.
“He called me when he first signed and we spoke about the offensive line and the identity of the offense that we want to have,” Thomas said. “[He said] it’s to be dominant up front and I would be a big catalyst for that. I’m excited for that pressure. I want to lead those guys and be a great, dominating unit.”
The phone call was a show of respect for Thomas, whose greatness often is overlooked around the league because of his long injury history and the Giants’ dreadful records.
Thomas was a Pro Bowl snub last season after ranking top-three among NFL offensive tackles in fewest quick quarterback pressures allowed (three), fewest sacks allowed (one) and longest average time to pressure (3.9 seconds) over 13 games.
Harbaugh, a Super Bowl winner with the 14th-most regular-season victories in NFL history, could be the head coach who stops wasting Thomas’ prime.
“A true ball coach, so I was excited that he’s going to come here and hopefully get things going in the right direction,” Thomas said. “The respect that he demands, you can just tell by the way everybody reacts to him when they’re speaking to him that he’s been there before. There is a different confidence that he has that you can feel as a player.”
With four starters returning from an offensive line ranked No. 9 last season by Pro Football Focus and the addition of rookie first-round right guard Francis Mauigoa, the Giants have the makings of their best blocking since winning Super Bowl XLVI in 2011. Mauigoa already has impressed Thomas with his smarts as they learn a new offensive system together.
“Continuity is a huge thing for us up front,” Thomas said. “But obviously doesn’t matter what’s on paper. You have to execute on the field, so that’s what we’re working for. Had a lot of reps together and we’re going to continue to build on that.”
After carrying a heavier workload earlier in the week, Thomas participated in individual drills but was replaced by Marcus Mbow for 11-on-11 periods during Thursday’s practice. As is typically the case, Giants are taking the precaution of limiting his spring workload.
“It’s not like an injury injury,” Harbaugh said. “He doesn’t need every rep anyway.”
Thomas is dealing with a “lingering” shoulder injury that didn’t require surgery and maintenance from the Lisfranc foot injury that cost him the final 11 games 2024 and first two of 2025.
“Obviously, what we care about is September,” Thomas said. “It’s definitely tough sometimes because I want to push it and I want to get better, but I’m trying to trust the process to make sure I’m ready to go when it counts. I think I’m in a good place.”
Thomas’ place remains with the Giants — even if he is no longer staring across the line of scrimmage at Lawrence.
“I don’t know what was going through his mind,” Thomas said. “Obviously, he made a decision that was best for him and his family. I wish him the best … but we have to move forward.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
