Heading into Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, rumors began swirling about a potential trade with New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The New Orleans Saints were reportedly in talks with the Giants before the draft, and the reason why chatter began to heat up heading into Friday night of the draft was due to New York’s asking price.
They reportedly were looking for a third-round pick for Thibodeaux’s services, but clearly, they weren’t able to get that kind of deal.
Instead, the Saints pivoted to Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Tyree Wilson, and the rest is history.
But could the Giants have tried harder to find a trade partner for Thibodeaux? After all, it doesn’t feel like he’s a part of the team’s long-term plans.
Giants Probably Should’ve Made This Kayvon Thibodeaux Trade
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay believes the New York Giants should’ve dealt Thibodeaux during the 2026 NFL Draft, and claimed the Seattle Seahawks were the ideal trade partner.
“While the G-Men weren’t too pressed to move Thibodeaux after dealing fellow defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence for the No. 10 overall pick, a respectable offer from the Seahawks could have convinced New York to move on,” wrote Kay.
“Thibodeaux would have a great chance to turn his career around in the Pacific Northwest. D-linemen have been thriving in head coach Mike Macdonald’s innovative system, including last year when four different players eclipsed the six-sack mark.”
Despite dealing one former first-round pick, Dexter Lawrence, in the weeks leading up to the draft, it was likely in the Giants’ best interest to trade Thibodeaux.
Kay projected a conditional 2027 draft pick as the return for New York’s pass rusher, but didn’t specify which round.
Considering the Giants were looking for a third-rounder, it likely could’ve been a fourth-round pick that could turn into a third had Thibodeaux recorded a certain number of sacks or hit a playing time incentive.
Regardless, a trade didn’t go down, and for now, the former Oregon Standout remains on the books for the Giants with a $14.75 million cap hit.
Not only is he costing New York a decent chunk of change, but he could eat up valuable playing time that Big Blue’s younger pass rushers desperately need.
Giants’ Crowded Pass Rush Room
It’s no secret that the New York Giants have one too many edge rushers/outside linebackers.
The position is easily the strongest group on the roster, but it’s not necessarily a good thing for everyone who plays off the edge.
All-Pro Brian Burns is the obvious star of the group, but 2025 No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter needs playing time.
2026 No. 5 overall pick, Arvell Reese, is a raw prospect and needs pass-rush reps. While he expects to mostly play off-ball linebacker in his rookie season, he projects as an edge rusher long-term.
The best way to open more playing time for both Carter and Reese? Trading Thibodeaux.
Not only would the Giants be moving on from a player they likely have no intention of re-signing, but they would be clearing the way for their two most recent first-round picks to have more opportunities.
New York didn’t do it during the 2026 NFL Draft, but maybe they should have.
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