.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Cincinnati Bengals had one goal this offseason: to upgrade their defense. They did so through free agency and the NFL Draft, along with a blockbuster trade.
The Bengals added Dexter Lawrence, the star defensive tackle, in a trade with the New York Giants. It was an aggressive move that sent the 10th pick straight up for Lawrence.
And following the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bengals were linked to the Giants for a trade for another defensive lineman by Bleacher Report's Kritsopher Knox, this time, 23.5 sack edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
"Projected trade value: Conditional 2027 4th-round pick," Knox writes. "It certainly feels like Kayvon Thibodeaux's time with the New York Giants is nearing its end. ... Potential suitors: Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals."
This wouldn't just be a reasonable price to pay for a quality edge rusher, but it would be a fun upgrade for the Bengals' defensive line, which has had mediocre production from a few of its current options.
Bengals linked to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux for fun and fitting upgrade
Thibodeaux has been a fairly productive edge rusher in his career, recording 23.5 sacks with 152 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, and 55 quarterback hits during his 53-game NFL career.
The former first-round pick from 2022 played in just 10 games last year, and now with the crowded edge rusher/outside linebacker room in New York, Thibodeaux might be more available than ever before.
At the cost of a conditional 4th round pick, that might not be as expensive if he doesn't reach certain thresholds, it would be a deal well worth making for the Bengals.
MORE: Boye Mafe signing might’ve been a mistake by the Bengals
While they aren't going all-in for 2026, the Bengals do need to try to capitalize on Joe Burrow's time with the team. Adding someone as good as Thibodeaux at the cost of a mid-round pick would be worth it.
Currently, in their edge rusher room, the Bengals will rely on Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Cashius Howell, and Shemar Stewart.
While they might not technically need someone like Thibodeaux, he would be an upgrade over Murphy, and could, at the very least, give the Bengals the deepest edge rusher room in the NFL.
Thibodeaux would be a fun pickup for the Bengals despite not being a clear need. But, with the chance to upgrade their edge rusher room after losing Trey Hendrickson, this move wouldn't be a bad one at all, especially at this price tag.
English (US)