At #5 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Ohio State's EDGE/linebacker Arvell Reese.
The pick immediately raised questions about the future of EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux, who plays a similar position. That, naturally, should pique the attention of the Detroit Lions, who, at least, should be searching for an EDGE partner for Aidan Hutchinson.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, those dreams may already be crushed, saying that despite the Reese pick, "the Giants do not intend to trade DE Kayvon Thibodeaux."
Despite drafting Arvell Reese, the Giants do not intend to trade DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, per source. https://t.co/8zpYlJhXIk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2026
"Intend" is the opportune word, as by no means should the Giants openly declare Thibodeaux is available, as that would only decrease their potential return. Play a little hard to get.
However, Reese does have experience both at EDGE and off-ball, which does provide the Giants some flexibility to make it work under new defensive-minded head coach John Harbaugh.
Thibodeaux could always request a trade and force the Giants' hand. He has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, so he may already be trying to force his way out. Especially now, given the Reese pick.
Thibodeaux is a free agent after this upcoming season, so trading makes complete sense either now or mid-season. The Lions should keep tabs on his availability, but for now, it appears he'll be staying in New York.
Lions still have options at EDGE in Day Two
Assuming Thibodeaux is staying in New York, the Lions will still have talented EDGE rushers available in Day Two of this draft. Missouri's Zion Young is considered by many to be the best EDGE remaining after a First-Team All-SEC season in 2025.
Young might be off the board by the time the Lions are on the clock, and the same for Texas A&M's Cashius Howell. Illinois' Gabe Jacas would be a perfect match for the Lions and could easily be on the board at the time the Lions pick at #50. They could also opt to reunite first-round pick Blake Miller with Clemson teammate T.J. Parker.
READ MORE: Lions 2026 NFL Draft tracker: Full list of picks, roster needs, targets, and more
Another option is Michigan's Derrick Moore, who might be available after a trade-back if general manager Brad Holmes wants to get some extra draft capital, as the team does not have a third-round pick this year.
While fans shouldn't completely write off a Thibodeaux trade just yet, the Lions can still walk away with a significant pass-rushing upgrade after doing the obvious move of drafting an offensive tackle in round one. Depending on who the pick is, they may be a better option than Thibodeaux, anyway.
But with other positions of need, like in the secondary, the Lions could instead go in a different direction -- a luxury they could afford if they can swing a Thibodeaux trade.
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