No matter how much head coach Dan Campbell or GM Brad Holmes try to downplay it, the Detroit Lions still have a glaring hole on the edge of their defense.
Aidan Hutchinson is set to return healthy, but the opposite side remains unsettled. Marcus Davenport is projected to start across from him, yet his injury history and inconsistent play make him a risky bet.
That’s why many believe Detroit should remain active in the pass-rush market as the season progresses. One intriguing name being floated is New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently listed Thibodeaux among potential trade chips, suggesting the Lions could be a natural fit. His hypothetical deal looks like this:
Giants receive: 2026 second-round pick
Lions receive: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
Thibodeaux, the No. 5 pick in the 2022 draft, has produced 21 sacks in 43 games over three years. His best season came in 2023 with 11.5 sacks, followed by 5.5 more in 12 appearances last year. While those numbers aren’t elite, he wouldn’t need to be in Detroit. With Hutchinson drawing most of the attention, Thibodeaux could thrive as a complementary rusher.
The biggest hurdle? New York might not be ready to move him just yet. Head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen are under pressure to win now, and Thibodeaux remains a core piece of their defense.
Still, if the Giants stumble early and pivot toward a rebuild, the 23-year-old edge rusher—set to enter the final year of his $31 million rookie contract in 2026—could become available.
For Detroit, patience may be key. If Thibodeaux does hit the trade block, the Lions would be wise to strike.
