The Detroit Lions are expected to maintain their core roster heading into next season, banking on improved health after a challenging injury-plagued year. Given how significant injuries were last season, a natural shift toward better luck in that department seems likely.
Despite this continuity, one area of concern remains: edge rusher. While the Lions have focused on re-signing players and making lower-profile acquisitions—outside of adding cornerback D.J. Reed—the team still has a pressing need for pass-rushing help. The upcoming draft class offers solid options, but the possibility of acquiring an experienced edge rusher should not be overlooked.
A high-profile move for an established pass rusher was never a realistic expectation this offseason. Aside from minor speculation about Trey Hendrickson being available via trade, no substantial rumors have surfaced. Therefore, finding a viable trade candidate requires deeper exploration.
Assessing a Potential Trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus recently highlighted four teams that should consider filling key roster holes via trade instead of relying on the draft. For the Lions, he suggested New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux as a potential target.
“While this year’s draft features a deep edge-rushing class, Detroit’s ‘win-now’ mindset could push them toward securing a proven player through a trade—something they attempted at last year’s deadline with Za’Darius Smith,” Cameron explained.
He proposed that Thibodeaux—drafted just three spots after Aidan Hutchinson in 2022—could be an intriguing option. Though he hasn’t fully lived up to expectations in New York, he has shown flashes of potential. His best season came in 2023, when he recorded 11.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss while appearing in all 17 games. However, injuries have impacted his availability in his other two seasons, as he missed five games last year and three as a rookie, totaling 9.5 sacks across those campaigns.
The Giants face a key decision on Thibodeaux’s future, as they must determine whether to exercise his fifth-year option by May 1 or extend his contract. Cameron suggested that if New York wants to maximize his trade value, now would be the time to make a move.
However, he also overlooked the Lions’ upcoming financial commitments, arguing that Detroit has both the system and the cap space to unlock Thibodeaux’s potential and extend his contract if they choose to.
Does the Trade Idea Hold Up?
A trade for Thibodeaux would not come cheap. The Giants would likely demand at least a Day 2 draft pick, but whether they are even willing to entertain offers is another question entirely. Given their investment in him, moving on from a former top-five pick this early seems unlikely.
Detroit was heavily invested in scouting Thibodeaux ahead of the 2022 draft and has since had the opportunity to evaluate him further during joint practices in back-to-back preseasons. While the concept of acquiring him is intriguing on paper, a deeper look reveals several obstacles. The biggest hurdle? The Giants likely have little to no interest in trading him.
Ultimately, while the idea of Thibodeaux joining the Lions sparks interest, the practicality of executing such a deal makes it highly improbable.
