Giants' Andrew Thomas still has 'more to prove' after signing record-setting deal
It turns out Saquon Barkley's contract extension wasn't the only deal New York Giants GM Joe Schoen sought to finalize in time for training camp.
On Wednesday, the Giants signed left tackle Andrew Thomas, the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, to a five-year, $117.5M extension. The deal includes $67M guaranteed at signing, the most ever for an offensive lineman.
Additionally, it gives New York its blindside protector for the next seven years as Thomas was already under team control for at least the next two seasons.
As mentioned by ESPN's Adam Schefter, who originally reported on the agreement, Thomas was the NFL's most valuable offensive tackle in 2022, based on Pro Football Focus' WAR model.
While advanced stats and the new contract might validate his abilities, Thomas told reporters after Wednesday's practice that he has "more to prove" before earning the title of the best left tackle in the league.
"That's the mindset I have, but I think there's more to prove,” Thomas said. “Just going back [to] watching film [from] last year, there's definitely some things I can clean up to be a more dominant player and to have that title. But I'm still working every day to get there."
Despite the likelihood he could've netted a larger contract next offseason when several of the league's premier young tackles are expected to sign extensions, Thomas felt the long-term security would serve him best.
"My team and I were eager to get something done just for security," Thomas said. "It's a blessing to be in this position, and it's also motivation to keep working and to live up to that number ... There were different negotiations, but at the end of the day we decided what was best for me and my family."
Although he struggled to live up to his high draft status early in his career, allowing 10 sacks as a rookie, Thomas has steadily developed into a budding star. Last season, the 6-foot-5, 315-pounder surrendered 15 QB hurries and three sacks en route to earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Thomas' deal caps off an exciting offseason for the Giants, as they enter 2023 looking to build on last season's unexpected success, which included an NFC divisional round appearance.
Schoen has now locked up New York's three most important players for the long haul after also signing quarterback Daniel Jones in March and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence in May.
Barkley's short-lived holdout also notably ended on Tuesday, with the Pro Bowl running back signing a one-year deal worth up to $11M.
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