The Cincinnati Bengals were aggressive this offseason as they pulled off a blockbuster trade and acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants in exchange for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Following the draft, the Bengals are once again seen as potential suitors for a Giants player who may be on the trade block.
Cincinnati Bengals Seen as Potential Suitors for New York Giants Kayvon Thibodeaux
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed ten players who currently find themselves on the trade block, alongside what teams may be potential suitors. Among these players was Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has been involved in trade rumors since the Giants drafted Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Knox wrote:
“It certainly feels like Kayvon Thibodeaux’s time with the New York Giants is nearing its end. The 2022 first-round pick has flashed a high ceiling (11.5 sacks in 2023) but is entering a contract year without a headlining spot in the pass-rushing rotation.
The Giants traded for Brian Burns in 2024, used a 2025 first-round pick on Abdul Carter, and just used the fifth overall selection on Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. While New York could use Reese as an off-ball linebacker this season and move him to the edge after Thibodeaux departs in 2027, moving Thibodeaux now would make more sense.
For one, the Giants would actually get something in return for a player they took fifth overall. Secondly, they could save $14.8 million by moving him. Lastly, trading Thibodeaux would allow Reese to begin developing on the edge immediately.”
Knox added that the Saints were involved in trade talks with the Giants, but New Orleans then pivoted and traded for Tyree Wilson. He listed the Bengals and Falcons as potential trade partners, while projecting Thibodeaux’s value to be a fourth round pick.
Potential Fit With Bengals
Bengals on SI’s Zach Pressnell reacted to the potential trade and wrote:
“Thibodeaux would slot in as the best or the second-best edge rusher in Cincinnati, and it likely wouldn’t cost the Bengals more than a fourth-round pick. On the surface, this seems like a no-brainer idea. He would make their defense much better.”
However, Pressnell added that he viewed the trade as unlikely as he wrote:
“The Bengals have already added to their edge rusher room. It’s certainly not the best unit in the league, but they have depth. While they might not have top-end talent, they have a few young players, including Shemar Stewart, Boye Mafe, and Cashius Howell, who could quickly develop into stars.”
While Thibodeaux would certainly provide some pass rushing pedigree that no one on the Bengals roster currently has, it does seem unlikely that Cincinnati would part with more draft capital despite their all-in approach
After investing in free agents Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen, trading for Lawrence, drafting Howell, and paired with previous draft picks, it certainly appears that the Bengals are closed for business when it comes to adding to the defensive line this offseason.
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