As it turns out, we don’t reside in that reality where Kayvon Thibodeaux doesn’t hear his name mentioned in trade rumors.
When Pro Football Focus recently omitted Thibodeaux from a list of potential trade candidates, New York Giants fans understandably took notice. Thibodeaux’s future in New York has remained uncertain for months, especially after the Giants drafted Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese.
Had we finally reached a point where the football world universally agreed Thibodeaux would be on the Giants’ Week 1 roster? Either The Athletic didn’t get the memo, or they’re fine stirring the pot.
The newest Kayvon Thibodeaux trade speculation is a nothing burger
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before. The Giants have too many linebackers and pass-rushers, so Thibodeaux is naturally expendable. If I had a penny for every time I’ve heard that since Jan. 1, I’d almost have enough to buy a suite at MetLife Stadium.
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Thibodeaux, who is in his final year of team control, is primarily practicing with the backups.
Brian Burns and Abdul Carter are getting “almost every” first-team snap at edge rusher. Reese, however, is playing inside.
“Is Thibodeaux now a trade candidate?” The Athletic’s Jacob Robinson wrote. Well, Thibodeaux has always been a trade candidate, as goes for a significant part of the Giants’ roster.
Without being facetious, teams only have so many truly untouchable players. Thibodeaux isn’t one of them. More importantly, absolutely nothing on the Thibodeaux front has changed as we move into organized team activities. Thibodeaux hasn’t publicly requested a trade as Dexter Lawrence did.
Neither John Harbaugh nor Joe Schoen has hinted they intend to trade Thibodeaux. There have been no credible post-draft rumors about teams reaching out to the Giants about Thibs. Barring injuries, Thibodeaux will probably open the season coming off the bench.
That in itself is telling, because if the Giants wanted to move on, they’d likely have done so already. Harbaugh didn’t draft Thibodeaux, and the Giants clearly thought enough of Reese, even if they’re moving him inside.
Yet, Thibodeaux remains on the roster, partly because of his $14.7 million salary.
Whether or not Thibodeaux, who turns 26 in December, even has enough leverage to properly request a trade is up for debate. At some point, though, we must collectively accept that the odds favor Thibodeaux being on the Giants’ sideline in Week 1.
Maybe a team will come calling before the deadline, or perhaps Thibodeaux will finish the season in New York. Either way, yes, Thibodeaux is technically a trade candidate.
Just don’t expect to see him moved within the coming weeks.
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