By Blessing 
A well-known NFL analyst is stirring the pot with speculation that the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers could be ideal trade destinations for a recent top draft pick—Kayvon Thibodeaux, a player with undeniable Pro Bowl potential.
As NFL teams gear up for the start of 2025 training camps, most rosters are already taking shape. But that doesn’t mean the trade market is closed. There’s still room for surprise moves—especially when talented players find themselves buried on the depth chart.
That’s exactly what’s happening with Thibodeaux. Drafted fifth overall in 2022 by the New York Giants, the promising edge rusher is facing a tough road ahead. With Pro Bowler Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter, a recent first-round pick, slotted ahead of him, Thibodeaux could be looking at reduced snaps this season.
Enter Aaron Schatz, an NFL analyst with ESPN, who believes the Giants should consider trading him before the season begins.
“Yes, New York can use an edge rusher rotation and get plenty of value out of him,” Schatz explained. “It can create a NASCAR-style package where one of its edge rushers moves inside on third down. But the Giants can also trade Thibodeaux to a contender that needs help on the edge, such as the Packers or the Lions, and probably get a Day 2 pick in return.”
The suggestion makes sense. The Giants, already loaded at edge, could benefit from gaining extra draft capital—especially with an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft.
“More draft capital would be a huge help for 2026 when they’ll be trying to find as many strong offensive players as possible to build around quarterback Jaxson Dart and wide receiver Malik Nabers,” Schatz added.
Thibodeaux’s journey has been a mixed one. Injuries hampered him in two of his first three seasons, but when healthy in 2023, he flashed the dominant form the Giants were hoping for—racking up 11.5 sacks. In 2025, he’s recorded 5.5 sacks, 28 tackles, 17 QB hits, and forced one fumble in just 12 games.
Despite his current situation, there’s still plenty of upside. For teams like Detroit and Green Bay, who are looking to bolster their defenses for a serious Super Bowl push, Thibodeaux could be a game-changing addition.
The only question left: will the Giants pull the trigger and deal one of their most intriguing defensive talents?