At one time, the Giants believed former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a cornerstone of their pass rush. But since adding two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns and selecting Abdul Carter third overall—with Carter tentatively set opposite Burns in Shane Bowen’s front-seven—Thibodeaux’s future in New York has become increasingly uncertain.
On paper, a rotation featuring Burns, Carter, and Thibodeaux could be one of football’s most fearsome pass-rushing trios. Yet, with roster gaps on both sides of the ball and a franchise in rebuild mode, Thibodeaux—who has 21 sacks in his career—could be more valuable as a trade asset than as a backup plan .
Bleacher Report analyst Kristopher Knox suggests that Thibodeaux may find a better fit elsewhere—specifically the New England Patriots, who recorded just 28 sacks in 2024 and are still seeking dominant edge pressure. New England beefed up their front line with Harold Landry III and Milton Williams, but a relentless pass rusher like Thibodeaux could be exactly what they need .
From the Giants’ perspective, trading Thibodeaux could be a smart move. Although they exercised his fifth-year option, which locks him in through 2026, his $14.8 million cap hit could be erased by a deal. Plus, it would free up snaps for Burns and Carter to shine, while offering New York valuable resources to fill other holes.
Thibodeaux’s youth—he’s under contract through 2026—also makes him an attractive target for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who would gain a year of control before a potential extension talks .
With the 2025 season looming, Giants GM Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll are under pressure to show progress. If Russell Wilson struggles or rookie Jaxson Dart isn’t ready early, New York may pivot to selling veteran players—Thibodeaux chief among them—to accumulate draft capital and build around Dart for the future .
Realistically, moving Thibodeaux could be a franchise-defining decision: a sign that the Giants are embracing a long-term rebuild and eager to flip assets for future growth, rather than holding onto him as a luxury piece this year.
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