Giants $31 million defender named New York's most valuable offseason trade chip

Ahead of the NFL trade deadline, New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux was the subject of speculation and rumors.

However, the Giants ultimately decided to stand pat at the trade deadline and hold on to Thibodeaux for the rest of this season.

Thibodeaux's future is murky, though. He'll be on the final year of his rookie deal in 2026 and New York is already well-stocked on the edge with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, so Thibodeaux may not have a future in New York.

With that in mind, not only did Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon name Thibodeaux a trade candidate for 2026, he believes the former No. 5 overall pick is New York's most valuable trade chip.

When you've got as many soft spots as the Giants do and you have three blue-chip-caliber players at one position, there isn't much of a choice. You can't part with Brian Burns the way he's playing, and Abdul Carter isn't going anywhere. That leaves Thibodeaux ahead of a contract year in 2026. Suitors will surely see the raw talent and upside. 

Given the premium position he plays and his age, Thibodeaux is most definitely a very valuable trade chip and would net the Giants a solid return in draft capital, something that would greatly assist in the rebuilding process.

Thibodeaux is having a down year in 2025 with just 2.5 sacks in 10 games, but he does rank in the top 25 in pressures with 32, per Pro Football Focus.

We've also seen Thibodeaux produce better sack numbers than this in the past, with the Oregon product posting a career-high 11.5 in 2023 and then 5.5 in 12 games in 2024.

If the Giants don't envision a future with Thibodeaux on the roster, they should deal him early next offseason.

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