The New York Giants have officially started the John Harbaugh era, kicking off their offseason program on Tuesday. With plenty of guys back in the building, it remains a question if certain key guys will be apart of this new era of Giants football. That group includes defenders like Dexter Lawrence, who recently requested a trade, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, whose name is prevalent in trade rumors.
Harbaugh spoke about both during his media availability on Tuesday, and he kept it real when asked about Thibodeaux. The head coach was asked if he views the young edge defender as a foundational piece or a player who could be traded. Harbaugh emphasized that he’s excited about Thibodeaux, and is only thinking about how he can contribute to New York’s defense. However, the head coach also admitted that everyone is tradeable.
"Everybody is tradeable. Everybody."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) April 7, 2026
John Harbaugh answers a question on Kayvon Thibodeaux - whom he calls "a great player" - and his future with the Giants: pic.twitter.com/WdL9ViAM9E
John Harbaugh acknowledges Kayvon Thibodeaux trade rumors but is focused on football
While Harbaugh essentially gave an answer that straddles the fence, his response likely reflects New York’s feelings on Thibodeaux. The franchise recognizes him as a talented young player who could help the team win, but if a sensible offer for the edge defender comes in, he could be on the move.
One of the biggest reasons why Thibodeaux‘s name is in trade talks is that he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract. Drafted in 2022, New York picked up Thibodeaux‘s fifth-year option, and the 2026 season will be that fifth year. If the Giants don’t plan to extend him, or can’t agree with him on a new deal, it would make sense to get something in return before letting him walk in free agency next offseason.
Thibodeaux, in his four seasons, has started all 53 of the games he has played in the NFL. After four sacks as a rookie, the defender took a big leap in year two, recording 11.5 sacks. However, he has taken a step back in the last two seasons, partly because of time missed, recording just 5.5 sacks in 2024 and 2.5 in 2025.
The Giants also have Brian Burns under contract for three more seasons, and just added Abdul Carter to the roster in the 2025 Draft. While John Harbaugh says everyone is tradeable, there are factors at play making Kayvon Thibodeaux more tradeable than others.