Giants Edge Rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux on the Trade Block Before NFL Draft

The Giants are reportedly looking to trade the 25-year-old linebacker to free up cap space and acquire draft capital.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:11am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of blue and red representing the New York Giants' colors.The Giants' potential trade of Kayvon Thibodeaux reflects the team's desire to rebuild through the draft and free up salary cap space.NYC Today

The New York Giants are reportedly shopping outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which carries a $14 million cap hit for the 2026 season. The Giants are believed to be open to trading Thibodeaux for less than a third-round pick, as they look to shed his salary and acquire additional draft capital to address other areas of need on the roster.

Why it matters

This potential trade of Kayvon Thibodeaux highlights the Giants' desire to rebuild through the draft and free up salary cap space. At just 25 years old, Thibodeaux is a valuable asset, but the Giants may feel that trading him is the best path forward for the organization. This move could have significant implications for the upcoming draft, as it may signal that the Giants are high on the current class of edge rushers and are willing to trade down to acquire additional picks.

The details

Thibodeaux was selected 5th overall by the Giants in the 2022 NFL Draft and has shown promise as a pass rusher, recording 12.5 sacks over his first two seasons. However, with his contract set to expire after the 2026 season, the Giants may feel that they can recoup value by trading him now rather than risk losing him in free agency. The team is reportedly willing to accept less than a third-round pick in exchange for Thibodeaux, suggesting that they are confident in their ability to find a suitable replacement in the draft.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Kayvon Thibodeaux

A 25-year-old outside linebacker for the New York Giants, who was selected 5th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

New York Giants

An NFL franchise based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, that plays in the NFC East division.

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What they’re saying

“We must be open to making tough decisions that will set us up for long-term success. Kayvon is a talented player, but his contract situation makes this a move we have to consider.”

— Joe Schoen, General Manager, New York Giants

What’s next

The Giants will continue to explore trade options for Kayvon Thibodeaux leading up to and during the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The potential trade of Kayvon Thibodeaux highlights the Giants' desire to rebuild through the draft and free up salary cap space. This move could have significant implications for the upcoming draft, as it may signal that the Giants are high on the current class of edge rushers and are willing to trade down to acquire additional picks. Ultimately, this decision reflects the broader trends in the NFL, where teams are increasingly looking to capitalize on the draft's potential.