.jpg)
4 hours ago
1
With the 2025 NFL draft upon us, plenty of rumors and speculation have the New York Giants taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall selection in the first round.
The Giants don't exactly have a dire need for pass rushers with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns under contract, but Carter is one of the can't-miss prospects in this class and will be hard for New York to pass up on, assuming he's still on the board.
If the Giants do go ahead and select Carter, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon thinks Big Blue could make Thibodeaux available via trade. He also suggests the Detroit Lions as a possible landing spot. Here's Gagnon's proposal and thoughts:
Why it makes sense: The Lions need more support for Aidan Hutchinson following the release of veteran Za'Darius Smith. No other Detroit edges had more than two sacks in 2024.
Fair compensation for Thibodeaux: Second-round pick (60th overall) if competition is fierce, or a 2026 second-rounder. The Lions' 2025 third-rounder (102nd overall) is unlikely to get the job done.
As Gagnon notes, the Lions are in desperate need of edge rush help. Not only do they not have a viable starter across from Aidan Hutchinson, the team is also in need of more depth at the position.
General manager Brad Holmes has made it clear the team has financial constraints, so a massive splash for someone like Trey Hendrickson isn't likely in the cards. But we could definitely see the Lions making a play for Thibodeaux if he's available.
MORE: Full list of Lions 2025 draft picks, biggest needs
Thibodeaux is on the books for $9.9 million this year, which is less than the $11 million or so Smith was set to make. He also has the fifth-year option for 2026, which will come in at $14.7 million, according to Over The Cap, another reasonable price.
The Oregon product hasn't lived up to his top-five billing, but he did show flashes of elite play in 2023, when he tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks. Thibodeaux missed five games in 2024 and tallied just 5.5 sacks in 12 contests.
Operating across from Hutchinson, who commands a ton of attention, could unlock Thibodeaux en route to a monster year. He would definitely be worth trading for if the Lions get the chance.
MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS
Final Lions draft projections from top experts
What time will Lions make first-round pick?
Lions respond to Jameson Williams trade rumors without saying a word
Kerby Joseph's contract extension with Lions makes NFL history
English (US)