It may not be long before we see the first trade of the John Harbaugh era. Recently, All-Pro Dexter Lawrence told the team he wants out of New York, likely as a negotiating tactic for a new deal. But Lawrence isn’t the only pass rusher with his name on the trade block.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently investigated the trade market and assigned a meter based on the likelihood of it happening. On a scale of one to ten of being traded, defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux received a nine. It’s not a matter of if, it’s when. According to the article, teams believe Thibodeaux is already available, and a deal for him will eventually get done.
Giants fans have seen Thibodeaux’s name on the trade block since his rookie season ended. This is nothing new, but with the acquisition and extension of Brian Burns and drafting Abdul Carter, there could be serious smoke to the fire this time around. If Big Blue opts to trade Thibodeaux, it would be a grave mistake.
The Giants need more help on the defensive side of the ball, not less
It’s a shame that, after a solid sophomore campaign, Thibodeaux has been bitten by the injury bug the past couple of years. This, along with the emergence of Burns and Carter as mainstays, has led to Thibodeaux’s numbers declining and many viewing him as the third wheel in the G-Men’s edge-rusher room.
However, at a position like this, it’s better to have too much of a good thing than not enough.
Even if Harbaugh and Co. believe Burns and Carter are the path for the pass-rushing game plan, there is still a way to utilize Thibodeaux on this roster. Not only could he be used as fresh legs off the bench to get to the quarterback, but he could also be used more in coverage. With how thin this linebacker room is, they need all the help they can get. Thibodeaux is too good of an athlete to be shipped out simply because he’s not one of the top two guys.
All that being said, the NFL is a business, and everyone has a price. Thibodeaux isn’t one of the main guys when you think of edge rushers across the league, but this front office needs to be sure to get a substantial return if they opt to show Thibodeaux the door. At only 25, Thibodeaux has some of his best years in front of him. He’ll be a defensive force for whatever team he’s on. Hopefully, it’s the Giants.