Giants Actively Exploring Trade Options for Star LB Thibodeaux

New York looking to move on from former 5th overall pick ahead of free agency

Mar. 2, 2026 at 4:07pm

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The New York Giants are actively exploring trade options for star linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, the team's 5th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Thibodeaux had a breakout sophomore season with 11.5 sacks, but his production has declined over the past two years, leading the Giants to seek a trade partner this offseason.

Why it matters

The Giants have a talented defensive front with players like Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence, giving them flexibility to potentially move on from Thibodeaux if they can get the right trade value. However, finding the appropriate compensation for a former top-5 pick will be a challenge, as the team looks to rebuild under new head coach John Harbaugh.

The details

Thibodeaux had 49 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, and 4 sacks as a rookie in 2022. He followed that up with a breakout 11.5 sack season in 2023, but his production has declined over the past two years, with just 8 sacks combined. The Giants are now actively exploring trade options for the 24-year-old pass rusher, hoping to get at least a Day 2 draft pick in return.

  • Thibodeaux was drafted 5th overall by the Giants in 2022.
  • In 2023, Thibodeaux had a breakout season with 11.5 sacks.
  • Over the past two seasons, Thibodeaux's production has declined, with just 8 sacks combined.

The players

Kayvon Thibodeaux

A former 5th overall pick by the Giants in 2022, Thibodeaux had a breakout 11.5 sack season in 2023 but has seen his production decline over the past two years.

Brian Burns

A talented defensive end on the Giants' defensive front.

Dexter Lawrence

A key part of the Giants' strong defensive line.

Abdul Carter

A young linebacker who the Giants hope will continue to develop.

John Harbaugh

The new head coach of the Giants, tasked with turning around the historic franchise.

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What they’re saying

“Based on conversations with teams that met with New York, the sense is they would prefer to. They are actively exploring trade options.”

— Connor Hughes, NFL Insider

“The question for the Giants: is that compensation, along with $14.75 million in salary cap relief, sufficient?”

— Connor Hughes, NFL Insider

“League sources expect New York to ultimately move him.”

— Connor Hughes, NFL Insider

What’s next

The Giants will continue to explore trade options for Thibodeaux, hoping to get at least a Day 2 draft pick in return. They'll have to weigh the potential compensation against the $14.75 million in salary cap relief they could gain by moving on from the former top-5 pick.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Giants' willingness to make tough decisions to reshape their roster under new leadership. While Thibodeaux showed promise early on, his recent decline in production has made him expendable as the team looks to build around other key defensive pieces like Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence.