While the Green Bay Packers have filled a few holes during this offseason, it's certainly no secret that they could still use some more help in the pass-rush department.
It's also no secret that New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux has long been the subject of trade rumors. And that was even before Big Blue used the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft to select Penn State stud Abdul Carter, who just happens to play the same position.
As such, when Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently compiled a list of 10 players whom he believes could still be dealt before the upcoming season, he listed Thibodeaux at No. 4 and named the Packers as one of the two best potential fits, the other being the New England Patriots.
The Pats certainly make sense, even after adding free agents Milton Williams and Harold Landry III. But seriously, hasn't New England gotten enough over the last 25 years?
Okay, perhaps that's a bit aggressive, but the Packers make plenty of sense as well. And while Thibodeaux hasn't lived up to being the fifth overall pick of the 2022 draft, he's still a solid option at this point. And one Green Bay can afford.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is an option the Packers should seriously consider
As Knox mentions, the Packers had just one player record more than five sacks in 2024, namely Pro Bowl defensive end Rashan Gary, who posted 7.5, with Devonte Wyatt coming in second at 5.0 on the number.
Meanwhile, Thibodeaux recorded only 5.5 for the Giants but also did so in just 12 games, as he missed a stretch of action in the middle of the season due to a wrist injury that ultimately required surgery.
Playing all 17 games in 2023, however, the Oregon alum posted 11.5, tying for the 12th-most in the NFL alongside the likes of Aidan Hutchinson and Denico Autry. He also posted 50 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, four passes defended, and three forced fumbles, one of which in the final category came at the hands of none other than Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
So, the talent is there.
As for what it would take to acquire Thibodeaux, one wouldn't think the Giants would be expecting a first-round pick in return because that's just never going to happen. The Packers may have to part ways with a Day 2 pick, though, far more likely a third-rounder than a second, but Brian Gutekunst may not be willing to do that.
As far as Thibodeaux's contract is concerned, the 24-year-old has two years remaining on his rookie deal after the Giants picked up his fifth-year option. As such, according to Over The Cap, his cap number in 2025 is $9.97 million and increases to $14.75 million in 2026.
Again, Gutekunst may not want to pay that much, but a little less than $25 million for two years is doable, especially seeing as how Green Bay recently cleared a considerable amount of cap space by releasing Jaire Alexander.
It's not as if the Packers didn't add any edge help this offseason, as they selected Texas standout Barryn Sorrell in the fourth round of the draft. But just how productive he'll be a rookie is obviously up in the air.
Again, Thibodeaux may not be the superstar some thought he'd be by now. But as mentioned, he's still only 24 years old and has already proven he has what it takes to post double-digit sacks at this level. Plus, he's affordable. And if it doesn't work out, it's only two years, at which point, perhaps Sorrell is ready to steal the spotlight.
Is there risk involved? Of course. But that comes with every trade. While only a rumor for now, this is a deal the Packers should undoubtedly at least explore.