With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Detroit Lions hold the 28th overall pick and are expected to strengthen an already solid roster. Although the team appears well-rounded, one position that could use reinforcement is edge rusher—especially someone to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
Despite being limited to just five games last season due to injury, Hutchinson still led the team in sacks. The Lions haven’t made any notable additions to the pass rush during the offseason, leaving analysts to believe that a defensive end could be their top priority on draft night.
While Texas A&M standout Nic Scourton has frequently been linked to Detroit in mock drafts, other potential draftees like Jack Sawyer, Mike Green, and Donovan Ezeiruaku could also be on their radar.
Yet, rather than relying on a rookie, the Lions might pursue a proven player through the trade market. Mike Luciano of SideLion Report recently floated the idea of acquiring Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants as a bold but plausible move.
Proposed Trade:
Detroit receives: Kayvon Thibodeaux
New York receives: 2025 third-round pick (No. 102)
Luciano explains that if the Giants use the third overall pick on linebacker Abdul Carter—especially if Travis Hunter goes to Cleveland at No. 2—Thibodeaux could be pushed down the depth chart behind Carter and Brian Burns. Although Thibodeaux has not underperformed, he hasn’t quite become the elite force many expected when he was drafted fifth overall.
Entering the final year of his rookie contract worth $31 million, Thibodeaux may become expendable in New York. That could open the door for Detroit to land a player with untapped potential.
In 2024, Thibodeaux recorded 28 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and eight tackles for loss. The previous year, he had a breakout season with 11.5 sacks and 50 tackles. Over three years, he’s accumulated 21 sacks, 127 tackles, and 26 tackles for loss in 43 games.
In Detroit’s system, Thibodeaux would likely benefit from playing alongside Hutchinson and could develop further without being the sole focus of opposing offenses. Compared to current options like Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal, Thibodeaux offers a much higher ceiling.
A trade like this could give the Lions a playoff-ready defense with a dangerous pass-rushing duo for years to come.
