Immediately after the 2026 NFL Draft, general manager John Schneider didn’t really hide the fact the Seattle Seahawks will continue to pursue the edge rusher market this offseason. If Schneider wants to shop for a trade, the Seahawks appear to have found out what it would cost to acquire former No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reported Tuesday the New Orleans Saints engaged the Giants in trade talks for Thibodeaux during the 2026 NFL Draft. The two teams didn’t agree to a deal, though, because there was a sizable gap in negotiations.
According to Duggan, the Giants were seeking an early Day 2 selection for Thibodeaux.
“The Saints were the team most interested in trading for Thibodeaux, however, according to a league source. The problem was the sides weren’t close on potential compensation,” wrote Duggan. “The Saints’ best offer is believed to have been a fourth-round pick (No. 132), while the Giants were seeking a second-round pick — the Saints had the 42nd selection.”
The Giants selected Thibodeaux at No. 5 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. The edge rusher broke out during his second season with 11.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.
But he has just about posted the same production over the last two seasons combined. In 2025, Thibodeaux had 25 combined tackles, including five tackles for loss in 10 games. He also registered nine quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks and two pass defenses.
Thibodeaux will play the 2026 NFL season on the fifth-year option in his rookie deal. The edge rusher will be an unrestricted free agent in March.
What Would It Cost Seahawks to Acquire Edge Rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux
The cost to trade for Thibodeaux is notable after Schneider’s comment on Seattle’s interest in landing another edge rusher this offseason.
Starting Monday, NFL teams can add free agents without it counting against their compensatory picks for next year. It’s possible the Seahawks were waiting for that deadline to pass before making a significant move at edge rusher.
If that is the case, the Seahawks move at edge rusher is likely coming in free agency — not a trade.
Still, it’s not a bad thing for Seattle to be aware of the cost for Thibodeaux. The former top 5 pick is one of the bigger additions the Seahawks could make along the edge before 2026.
Seattle didn’t add an edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft or free agency. In 2026 NFL free agency, the Seahawks lost veteran pass rusher Boye Mafe.
Mike Macdonald Expresses Confidence in Seahawks Edge Rushing Depth
While Schneider didn’t shoot down the possibility of adding another edge rusher this offseason, head coach Mike Macdonald expressed confidence in the team’s depth at the position while speaking to reporters after the draft.
“Jared Ivey is a guy that had a great season last year. He wasn’t active as many days as he wanted. Jamie Sheriff is another guy for two years that has been with us,” Macdonald told the media Saturday. “Connor O’Toole was up, does a lot of great things. Jalan Gaines is back.
“We’re really excited about those guys. They really worked really hard last year. I think all of them were ready to go, if need be, to go play in a game.”
The Seahawks defense created pressure on opposing quarterbacks from multiple positions. That places less emphasis on just the edge creating havoc.
Mafe also had only two sacks last season. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will return nine of their other top 10 defenders in terms of sacks from 2025.
With that in mind, the Seahawks trading a second-round pick for Thibodeux is probably unlikely. But it’s clear Seattle could pursue its options, and Thibodeux may be on the list of possibilities, especially if that price drops as the offseason continues.
Seahawks Learn What Kayvon Thibodeaux Trade Will Cost: Report