It feels like the New York Giants have been weighing whether to move on from former first-rounder edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux for years, and the latest trade rumors theorize that head coach John Harbaugh could dump the outside linebacker for salary relief.
The Giants can reverse their fifth-year option decision and clear the books of Thibodeaux’s $14.751 million cap hit if they trade the disappointing prospect before June 1, and Harbaugh’s staff must at least consider a parting of ways.
After all, Harbaugh didn’t draft Thibodeaux. And although Giants general manager Joe Schoen did, he’s no longer calling the shots.
With that in mind, The Athletic’s Giants beat reporter and insider Dan Duggan warned Big Blue not to trade Thibodeaux for anything less than a day two draft pick on February 18.
“Thibodeaux is certainly not untouchable; the Giants should listen to offers. If a team offers a Day 2 pick for Thibodeaux — well, it was nice knowing you,” Duggan first acknowledged before adding: “But that’s unlikely for a player who had 2 1/2 sacks in 10 games last season and is due $14.8 million in 2026 on his fifth-year option.”
“Giving Thibodeaux away for a Day 3 pick isn’t worth it,” he continued. “The team is finally in position to try to win. Thibodeaux is a quality player at an inflated, but not unreasonable, salary who helps make the pass rush the strength of the defense.”
Finally, Duggan concluded that “while a bit of a luxury, [Thibodeaux is] an asset as the No. 3 edge rusher.” Warning: “If the Giants trade Thibodeaux, edge rusher would suddenly become a weak spot if [Brian] Burns or Abdul Carter got injured.”
Giants Must Replace Kayvon Thibodeaux If They Trade Him
GettyNew York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Duggan’s overall point is that if Harbaugh and the Giants were to trade Thibodeaux, clearing approximately $14.8 million in cap space, they would also have to replace him if the goal is to compete in 2026.
Edge rusher has become one of the most important positions in football. Having one or two starting-caliber edges isn’t enough either; you need waves of pass rushers.
The Giants attempted to follow that model in 2025, but injuries limited the defense’s potential.
Thibodeaux missed a large chunk of the year, not to mention free agent OLB/DE Chauncey Golston was banged up, too. It also took Carter some time to get acclimated after a slow start.
Duggan is suggesting running it back, except with Carter as the starter and Thibodeaux as the third edge rusher. However, the beat reporter admitted that this will likely be Thibodeaux’s final season in New York either way.
“Thibodeaux’s long-term outlook is murkier,” Duggan wrote. “It’s hard to envision a lucrative second contract with the Giants, but perhaps he could help facilitate the adoption of the [Baltimore] Ravens’ compensatory-pick approach in free agency next offseason. The Giants can worry about that next year. For now, they shouldn’t weaken the roster’s biggest strength in exchange for minimal draft capital.”
Giants, Thibodeaux Trade Rumors Have Been Constant
Unfortunately, the Giants’ fifth-year option decision has not silenced Thibodeaux trade rumors. Quite the opposite, in fact, as they appear to be louder than ever in 2026.
With Harbaugh at the helm, the Giants must clean up their roster. That could mean cutting ties with a lackluster first-rounder like Thibodeaux.
Having said that, as Duggan noted, if Harbaugh chooses to part ways, he better have an adequate plan to replace him. This Big Blue defense can ill-afford to lose talent, and Thibodeaux has shown flashes of great potential.
Giants Sent Clear Warning Amid Offseason Trade Rumors