It's a tradition like no other. As soon as the calendar flips to the new year, New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux's name gets immediately floated out as a potential trade candidate for... seemingly every team with a pass-rushing need.
This year, we almost got to the Pro Bowl before the 25-year-old made the rounds. Seriously, the obsession with trading Thibodeaux borders on criminal at this point. Give me a break.
But just because it annoys me doesn’t mean it’s going to stop. I guess that’s what happens when Big Blue already has Brian Burns and Abdul Carter on the roster, and an expensive 2026 decision looming in the background. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine got the ball rolling this time around in his latest look at each team’s top three offseason trade targets.
He listed not one, but two teams that could be interested in the 2022 fifth-overall pick's services: the Chicago Bears and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Kayvon Thibodeaux remains the league’s favorite Giants trade idea
Ballentine's analysis for the Bears is rooted in change-of-scenery logic:
"If taking on Crosby's massive contract would be an issue then a player like Kayvon Thibodeaux would also be a good target. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter are the clear 1-2 punch in New York. The former fifth-overall pick could potentially use a change of scenery to get back to the 11.5-sack form he showed in 2023."
While his logic for the Raiders is one of necessity:
"They [Raiders] could also look to add a young pass-rusher to either pair with Maxx Crosby or replace him. Crosby has been the center of trade speculation since the end of the season. Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a shrewd target."
We get it. Both teams need some more juice off the edge, and KT's situation in New York makes him an easy target. But maybe not. The Giants haven't exactly been overly eager to move on from him in the past.
General manager Joe Schoen fielded calls on Thibs during last season's trade deadline, but teams were unwilling to match the high price tag. Making matters murkier, the 6-foot-5 pass-rusher missed seven games and ended the season on IR with a shoulder injury suffered after the deadline passed.
So... his trade value is hard to gauge. On one hand, his draft pedigree, size, and age scream high-upside pass-rusher. On the other, his production over four seasons screams mediocre. There's a disconnect there that hasn't allowed the former Oregon standout to reach his full potential or play consistently.
But it's tough to tell if potentially selling low on him this offseason is the way to go. His trade value has only diminished with each passing season.
At some point, Schoen will have to make a move. It's either extend him or trade him. Letting him walk out the door for nothing in 2027 would be an inexcusable mistake. Still, it's frustrating that we're sitting here in early February and we're already talking about whether the Giants should trade Thibodeaux or not. It's going to be a long offseason.