At some point, despite how he consistently laments the difficulty of it, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is going to have to do something to pair a viable second edge rusher with Aidan Hutchinson. As things sit right now, it's hard to envision free agent signings D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner being that long-sought solution.
If anything else is going to be done by the Lions to add an edge rusher this offseason, though there are some notable veteran options who are still out there, the draft is the most likely path. That said, Holmes should have his eyes open to any opportunities that might be out there. If nothing else, he can circle back in future media appearances and say, essentially, "yeah, we made an offer on (insert name)" while offering reasoning for why another GM got it done and he didn't/was unable to.
In terms of potential trade targets, there is one edge rusher who stands out as the most ideal for the Lions. Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports emerged as the driver of that bandwagon early, and as the draft approaches he has solidified that status.
Lions' trade idea makes too much sense not to come to fruition
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox has offered up eight notable trades that could still happen this offseason. While it does not appear to be a ranked order based on any kind of criteria, a Lions' trade is second on the list.
Detroit Lions Get:Â Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux
New York Giants Get: Conditional 2027 3rd-round pick
"The New York Giants aren't actively shopping pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, but he still looms as a prime trade candidate. With Brian Burns and 2025 first-round pick Abdul Carter on the roster, Thibodeaux is somewhat expendable."
"Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Thibodeaux is also about to get very expensive. Moving him now would make more sense than losing him for nothing in a year."
READ MORE: 3 potential Lions prospects get a word of warning from PFF writer
All signs point to Thibodeaux, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft (three picks after the Lions took Hutchinson), being on the trade block. There has been no reported traction about a contract extension. The Giants might be "fine" keeping him, as Ian O'Connor of The Athletic reported after head coach John Harbaugh's recent "everyone is tradeable" comment.
But a deal during the upcoming draft might be on the table, and a mid-round pick could very well be enough to compel the Giants to make the move.
Whoever he suits up for, Thibodeaux is set to play on his fifth-year option next season with nothing set in stone beyond. The Lions should be at the front of the line to give him a needed change of scenery, especially if the ceiling for trade cost might only be a third-round pick.
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