The New York Giants announced Wednesday that offensive lineman Andrew Thomas agreed to a record-breaking five-year, $117.5 million extension. It is the largest contract ever offered to an offensive lineman.
The 24-year-old tackle, named a second-team All-Pro in 2022, will receive $67 million guaranteed in the deal. Thomas still has two seasons remaining on his existing contract, so the extension will keep him on the team through 2029. It is a clear sign that the organization plans to make him the centerpiece of the offensive line for years to come.
“It’s a blessing – something I work hard for and something I’m going to continue to work hard for to live up to that,” Thomas said. “It’s a blessing to my family – to my kids that I don’t even have yet. I’m excited for it and excited to be here for a while.”
Since arriving in New York as the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Thomas has not had a seamless professional career. He was briefly benched in his rookie season for missing a team meeting, and in his sophomore campaign, he suffered a hamstring injury and had to miss significant time. He underwent surgery last off-season on the same ankle.
But in 2022, Thomas appeared more settled and played a quiet but important role on an improved Giants team. New York went to the postseason for the first time in 2016 and defeated the Minnesota Vikings before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round. Thomas played an integral role in protecting quarterback Daniel Jones, who had a markedly improved season under center.
“Again, 24½-year-old left tackle that we now have locked up for seven years,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen said after the announcement. “So, ecstatic about that as well.”
After signing the new contract, Thomas passed the Ravens’ tackle Ronnie Stanley for most guaranteed money for an offensive lineman. At one of the sport’s most demanding positions, Thomas said that it feels good to have security.
