The New York Giants are faced with several decisions throughout the offseason, including some that may involve shocking moves.
Though there have been no reports of the Giants making Kayvon Thibodeaux available for trade, there are few players on the roster who might be deemed untouchable by general manager Joe Schoen. If a team calls with a proper offer, the Giants have to at least listen.
With Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option coming up, the Giants must decide whether they want to exercise the contract term for the 2026 season — a move that will guarantee the young pass-rusher $16 million.
That could ultimately lead to the Giants making a tough decision by considering a trade, and the Detroit Lions were suggested as a potential landing spot by Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus.
“One potential name to target could be the guy who was selected three picks after Hutchinson in 2022, Kayvon Thibodeaux. The New York Giants edge rusher hasn’t made the impact many thought he would in New York, eclipsing a 70.0 single-season PFF pass-rush grade just once, but the right situation could set the record straight,” Cameron wrote. “With a fifth-year option decision looming – a subsequent extension – New York has a decision to make on what path forward to take with Thibodeaux. Should the Giants decide to maximize their trade value for Thibs, now would be the time. Detroit has the structure in place to tap into the pass rusher’s potential, as well as the cap space to facilitate an extension, should the team decide to.”
It would be a surprise to see the Giants part ways with Thibodeaux this offseason. He’s just entering his fourth season in the NFL, and he had some promising developments take place in 2024 despite missing five games due to a wrist injury that required surgery.
Should the Giants miss out on quarterbacks Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders in the draft, they could opt to select Penn State’s Abdul Carter while looking for a potential trade suitor for Thibodeaux. It’s unlikely, but that’s at least a plausible scenario for New York.
Thibodeaux put together a strong campaign despite finishing with only 5.5 sacks. His 42 total pressures were just six fewer than his career-high mark, and he was on pace for 59 total pressures had he played a full season, per Next Gen Stats.
The Giants are expected to exercise Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option before the May 1 deadline and if he remains on the roster, they’ll need him to elevate his game to another level in 2025.
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