The Detroit Lions may have their eyes on a new pass rusher—but it might not be the guy fans are expecting.
While some around the league have linked the Lions to Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, that move might be out of reach, especially with Detroit focused on locking up Aidan Hutchinson long-term. According to Bleacher Report, the real move to watch could involve a different name: Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Yep, the former No. 5 overall pick.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon sees Thibodeaux as a potential “consolation prize” if Hendrickson ends up elsewhere—possibly with the Packers, who are reportedly more desperate for help off the edge. But Detroit still has cap flexibility, and if they want to keep pace in the NFC North, a move for Thibodeaux could make a ton of sense.
He’s not as proven as Hendrickson, sure, but the upside is real. Thibodeaux has totaled 21 sacks and 127 tackles in 43 starts for the Giants. He posted a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2023 and stayed healthy all year—a major step forward after earlier durability concerns.
Detroit would still be taking a bit of a risk, especially given the eight games he’s missed in his young career. But financially, the move is doable. If acquired at the deadline, Thibodeaux would cost the Lions less than $5 million this season. The Giants already picked up his fifth-year option for 2026 at $14.75 million, but if he thrives alongside Hutchinson, that number would be well worth it.
If the trade market gets too pricey, the Lions also have a few veteran free agents to consider. Von Miller, Preston Smith, and Matt Judon are all still unsigned. And don’t rule out a reunion with Za’Darius Smith, who flashed in limited time last year and says he wants to run it back in Detroit.
At the end of the day, adding another edge threat could be the key to taking the Lions’ defense to the next level in 2025—whether it’s Hendrickson, Thibodeaux, or a proven vet ready for one more shot.
Lions Could Target Kayvon Thibodeaux as a Backup Plan if Hendrickson Deal Falls Through
