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Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants takes the field against the San Francisco 49ers before the game at MetLife Stadium.

During the 2026 NFL Draft, it felt like the New York Giants were finally going to pull the trigger on a Kayvon Thibodeaux trade.

After rumors all offseason that he was on the trade block, it felt like Night 2 of the draft was when a deal would go down.

After all, the Giants had just selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick, and he projects to play the same position that Thibodeaux does in the near future.

There was chatter that maybe the New Orleans Saints were in talks to acquire New York’s edge rusher, but they didn’t meet the Giants‘ asking price. They pivoted to former Las Vegas Raiders draft pick Tyree Wilson.

With the draft over, and the Giants still stuck with a logjam at edge, what could Thibodeaux end up fetching on the trade market?

Kayvon Thibodeaux Gets New Trade Value from B/R

According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the New York Giants would get a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick if they traded Thibodeaux right now.

“For one, the Giants would actually get something in return for a player they took fifth overall. Secondly, they could save $14.8 million by moving him. Lastly, trading Thibodeaux would allow Reese to begin developing on the edge immediately,” wrote Knox.

“New York was reportedly at least open to moving Thibodeaux even before snagging Reese in the draft. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Giants were in trade talks with the New Orleans Saints before New Orleans pivoted to Tyree Wilson.”

While some people may be surprised at how low the projected trade compensation would be, there are two major reasons why the Giants would only get an early Day 3 pick for his services.

For starters, Thibodeaux is entering a contract year, and he may end up being a one-year rental.

What team is going to trade a premium asset for a player who will only end up leaving at the end of the season?

Second, Thibodeaux hasn’t been as productive as you would expect a former fifth overall pick in the draft to be in recent years.

Not only have his sack totals been low the last two seasons, but he’s missed 12 games due to injury. It’s a risky trade either way you look at it for opposing teams.

But that doesn’t change the fact that the Giants should be looking to move on from him.

Giants Have Too Many Pass Rushers

The New York Giants need to open up playing time for their pass rushers, especially the ones who need development reps.

Brian Burns is really the only established edge that New York has. He’s a reigning All-Pro and is a bona fide star at his position.

Last year’s No. 3 overall pick, Abdul Carter, showed promise in 2025. He didn’t stuff the stat sheet, but his pressure numbers were encouraging.

He needs more playing time to really flesh out his skills, and the best way to do that is to get him more reps.

And of course, there’s this year’s No. 5 overall pick, Reese. He expects to play mostly off-ball linebacker in 2026, but will get pass rush reps when he can.

It will only be harder for him to get those reps if Thibodeaux is still on the roster.