Detroit Lions fans were once enamored by Oregon outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, with some even preferring him over Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson in the 2022 NFL Draft. Now, the Lions may have their chance to have both.
According to Connor Hughes of SNY, per his sources, the New York Giants "are listening to offers on" Thibodeaux, adding, "the belief from teams here at the combine is that he will eventually get dealt."
Thibodeaux's career has had its ups and downs since being drafted fifth overall by the Giants. Thibodeaux had a solid rookie year, with 4.0 sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in 14 games. He followed that up with an impressive 11.5 sack season.
Since then, Thibodeaux has been combating injuries. In 2024, Thibodeaux missed five weeks in the middle of the season after undergoing wrist surgery. The following season, Thibodeaux played just ten games before suffering a shoulder injury.
At the time, Thibodeaux had just 2.5 sacks and 25 tackles. All the while, Hutchinson bounced back from his injury to become a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2025.
Thibodeaux is becoming an odd man out in New York, with Brian Burns leading the Giants' pass rush and 2025 third overall pick Abdul Carter impressing in his rookie season. The Giants also have the 5th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them ample opportunity to select a top pass rusher if they so choose to.
The Giants have been hesitant to give Thibodeaux a long-term deal, as the Lions have with Hutchinson, only opting to pick up his fifth-year option for next season, worth $14.75 million.
The Giants have also been hesitant to deal him, with general manager Joe Schoen saying at the Combine, per The Athletic's Dan Duggan, "Right now, Kayvon is going to be with us." Schoen said that Thibodeaux is "motivated" and that the team "can't have enough pass rushers," but hasn't received any calls on him so far this offseason after being a popular target among teams at the trade deadline.
The Lions should explore a Thibodeaux trade
Thibodeaux represents a potential buy-low opportunity for the Lions, and Lions GM Brad Holmes has been no stranger to buying low on high-upside players with an injury history. The Lions should also have familiarity with Thibodeaux through the draft process.
If healthy, Thibodeaux can be on the field for 72% plus snaps as a starter, which he's done every season of his career. That would be higher than Al-Quadin Muhammad (41%) and Marcus Davenport (55%) this past season. A more consistent on-the-field pass-rushing mate for Hutchinson could help draw more protective bodies away from him, allowing for more room to get to the quarterback.
READ MORE: Aidan Hutchinson would "love" for Al-Quadin Muhammad to return in 2026
The Lions, of course, won't be alone in the pass-rushing market, which could mean the price to acquire Thibodeaux becomes too high for Holmes and the Lions. Not to mention, he's due for a new contract, which the Lions could be hesitant to pursue for a player coming off a down year and injury. Lions could opt to go with a more proven option, or draft their pass-rushing answer at #17.
Nonetheless, Thibodeaux is an intriguing option worth exploring as the Lions seek to improve their defense this offseason, and one that could pay off in a big way.