The Detroit Lions came this close to trading for Bryce Huff not long ago, but ultimately decided to stand pat. That might’ve signaled that Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are content with the defensive line as it stands—but not everyone’s buying it.
In fact, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon thinks the Lions could be cooking up something much bigger.
Gagnon floated a surprise trade idea: Detroit making a move for New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. At first glance, it sounds wild—the Giants picked Thibodeaux fifth overall in 2022, and he’s still only 24 years old. But when you dig deeper, the dots start connecting.
Thibodeaux has flashed serious potential, especially in 2023 when he racked up 11.5 sacks and 43 pressures. But with the Giants drafting Abdul Carter at No. 3 this year and handing Brian Burns a monster contract, there may not be much room left for Thibodeaux in their plans.
Enter Detroit.
The Lions desperately need another game-wrecker to line up opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Charles Harris is gone. James Houston is still a question mark. If Holmes could land Thibodeaux, it wouldn’t just be a splash—it could turn Detroit’s pass rush into one of the most feared in the league.
It’s not a sure thing, of course. The Giants might want to hold onto Thibodeaux, and there’s always a risk in betting on untapped potential. But if the Lions are serious about making a Super Bowl push, this is exactly the kind of high-upside swing that could pay off in a huge way.
Stay tuned. Brad Holmes has made bold trades before. This one might just be his best yet.
Could Kayvon Thibodeaux Be the Final Piece in the Lions’ Super Bowl Puzzle?
