There was some speculation that the New York Giants would trade star edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux during the 2026 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints were reported as the most interested suitor.
No deal ever came to fruition, but not because the Giants weren’t willing to deal, but because the Saints didn’t meet their asking price.
Giants wanted a second-round pick in exchange for Kayvon Thibodeaux
That asking price was a second-round pick, according to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan.
“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,” Duggan wrote.
“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.”
Moving forward, the 2026 season could be a make-or-break campaign for Thibodeaux’s future with the Giants. If things go well, he could be in line for a massive extension. But if not, he could find himself on the trading block again.
“The Giants value Thibodeaux, who will have a role in a deep, versatile group of pass rushers. If he performs well this season, he could be in line for a lucrative contract like the one earned this offseason by Washington’s Odafe Oweh (four years, $96 million) as a second-tier edge rusher,” Duggan wrote.
“The Giants also will have the option to shop Thibodeaux at the trade deadline since there’s always a contender in the market for a pass rusher.”
Clearly, there will be a lot on the line for Thibodeaux next season. He could lock himself in as a foundational piece of the franchise with a solid season, or he could find himself to be the latest star player that the Giants have parted ways with in recent memory if things go the other way.
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