Giants’ former first round pick finds himself on a list no player wants to be on after the 2026 NFL Draft
Dexter Lawrence wasn’t the only Giants player involved in trade rumors before the 2026 NFL Draft. Kayvon Thibodeaux was another name that was being floated around and that hasn’t stopped since the draft ended.
The 2026 NFL Draft is over, but that doesn’t mean the New York Giants are done making tweaks to the roster. Especially when it comes to the idea of a trade, whether they’re exporting or importing.
Obviously, the Giants traded Dexter Lawrence before the draft, but he wasn’t the only player the team was interested in moving. Per reports, former first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux was also a trade candidate if the right deal came available.
That clearly didn’t come to fruition, but that doesn’t mean Thibodeaux is “safe” after the Giants drafted Arvell Reese with the fifth overall pick. In fact, it’s the complete opposite: it makes sense to move Thibodeaux, now. That’s because Reese can develop his pass rush ability over time while starters Abdul Carter and Brian Burns lead the way, putting Thibodeaux in a complicated spot.
It’s exactly why Thibodeaux made Bleacher Report’s list of players who could be traded after the draft:
“It certainly feels like Kayvon Thibodeaux’s time with the New York Giants is nearing its end… 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… 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…
“New York was reportedly at least open to moving Thibodeaux even before snagging Reese in the draft. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Giants were in trade talks with the New Orleans Saints before New Orleans pivoted to Tyree Wilson.”
Kristopher knox
Bleacher Report
The Giants should trade Kayvon Thibodeaux if they get the chance
For the right price, of course. At this point, the Giants are likely to get a Day 3 pick or a third-rounder, at best. But most likely a fourth-rounder. At least, that should be the floor.
Thibodeaux doesn’t have the most impressive resume, but he is a former top-5 pick. Meaning, he has all the traits and potential that teams love. There’s always a coach/GM out there that thinks “I can fix him”, especially when it’s a player of Thibodeaux’s athletic stature.
The Giants have enough depth to where they wouldn’t strain too much after a hypothetical Thibodeaux trade, as well. For instance, Reese could slide over to the edge in certain situations and Micah McFadden could step up at off-ball linebacker. Chauncey Gholston isn’t a show-stopper by any means, but he can be a serviceable third option, as well.
It just all depends on the deal offered to the Giants. If it’s a viable trade offer, then they need to pull the trigger. It’s that simple. Otherwise, the pass rush is in a very good spot with Thibs as the third option.