The New York Giants have dealt with trade rumors surrounding former top pick Kayvon Thibodeaux for what feels like forever, and the drafting of Abdul Carter in 2025 kicked those rumors into overdrive. It feels like a move could finally be coming now that the 2026 NFL Draft is getting closer.
Bleacher Report took the liberty of finding a trade partner for Thibodeaux now that the initial free agency spending spree has died down, and that led to the Green Bay Packers once again being thrown out as a potential match due to their very deficient defensive line.
The Packers' need for some juice on the edge has gone from bad to worse, and without a player like Thibodeaux, the Packers' contention chances could dry up. The Giants may be sitting pretty with their surplus of defensive line talent when teams like this come calling.
B/R identifies Packers as ideal Kayvon Thibodeaux trade partner
Thibodeaux has not lived up to the hype after coming to New York via the No. 5 overall pick way back in 2026. With just 2.5 sacks last season despite starting 10 games, the arrival of Carter clearly ate into his production and effectiveness. A change of scenery is needed.
The Packers are in a very tough spot. Not only are they in need of a new pass rusher due to Micah Parsons' injury, Rashan Gary being sent to the Dallas Cowboys, and Kingsley Enagbare signing with the New York Jets in free agency, but they also lack major capital in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Thibodeaux is perhaps the best rusher that can be acquired for a sum that is not going to break the bank. While he clearly was not meshing with what Shane Bowen was going (who was, in all honesty?), Jonathan Gannon might provide him with a defense more suited to his needs.
If Carter takes the step forward that someone picked No. 3 overall should be expected to take heading into his second season, the Giants can feel confident in their 1-2 punch of him and Brian Burns making up for what may be some suspect depth.
Thibodeaux's time in New York may be winded to a close, but the Giants know some team out there will jump at the chance to possibly add someone with his level of raw physical talent, and the Packers may be a perfect team to pounce on him.