Sometimes the most obvious move is the smartest one. The Washington Commanders are lacking high-impact edge rushers, while the New York Giants have a surplus.
Washington is positioned to contend for a Super Bowl, whereas the Giants are staring down another rough season and need to collect draft picks to build for the future.
That opens a potential trade lane between the two NFC East rivals. Washington can offer valuable draft capital, and the Giants can offer edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux — a deal that could benefit both sides. With both teams having clear needs, and the Giants looking to extract top value for Thibodeaux, now may be the perfect time to strike.
“Despite a deep 2025 draft class loaded with pass-rushing talent, Washington passed on addressing their most obvious need,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote on May 9. “To make the most of their contending window, they should go big. With players like Trey Hendrickson and Kayvon Thibodeaux rumored to be on the block, Washington has options.”
Giants Could Be Ready to Move On
It’s hard to imagine the Giants still view Thibodeaux as essential after their major offseason moves. They handed Brian Burns a five-year, $141 million contract extension and used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft on edge rusher Abdul Carter. That’s on top of drafting QB Jaxson Dart at No. 25.
Though the Giants picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option in April, the $14.75 million due in 2026 doesn’t even crack the top 20 in edge rusher salaries — essentially a cost-controlled safety net.
Why Thibodeaux Fits in Washington
The Commanders lost their 2024 sack leader, Dante Fowler Jr., to Dallas in free agency. Thibodeaux could immediately step in as the primary edge threat and elevate his own value heading into a contract year. By the time his rookie deal and option are done, he’ll have earned about $46 million in the league.
Selected fifth overall in the 2022 draft, Thibodeaux has been one of the brighter spots on struggling Giants teams, averaging 8.3 sacks and 18 QB hits per 17 games, including a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2023.
On top of everything, acquiring him would also prevent a division rival from making a move. The Eagles — reigning Super Bowl champs — are also in need of pass-rush help after Josh Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Cardinals.
Trading for Thibodeaux gives Washington an instant defensive upgrade, playoff-caliber firepower, and a chance to gain an edge — literally and figuratively — over their top rivals.
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