The Detroit Lions are riding high after historic seasons, but they still have one glaring hole: a proven edge rusher to complement star Aidan Hutchinson. General manager Brad Holmes recently praised Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport but downplayed the urgency of adding another defensive end. However, it’s a move the team can’t afford to ignore if they want to take the next step in 2025.
While most fans have focused on Cincinnati Bengals standout Trey Hendrickson as a potential trade target, his price tag and uncertain contract situation could put him out of reach. The Bengals reportedly aren’t close to a deal, and one NFL executive even called their negotiations “unreasonable,” per Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post.
Instead, a more realistic—and overlooked—option for the Lions could be New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. The 24-year-old former first-round pick hasn’t hit Hendrickson’s elite numbers but has flashed talent on a struggling Giants team. Thibodeaux posted 11.5 sacks last year despite New York’s three-win campaign, showing his ability to make plays even in tough situations.
The Giants recently exercised Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, but they could clear nearly $15 million in 2026 cap space by moving him now. With the Giants rebuilding, they might be motivated to make a deal, potentially giving Detroit a chance to land a young, high-upside edge rusher without mortgaging the future.
Pairing Hutchinson with Thibodeaux could give the Lions one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos and help them stay atop the NFC North. It’s a move worth considering as Detroit looks to solidify its defense for a potential Super Bowl run.
Kayvon to the Motor City? Lions Could Land $31M Pass Rush Upgrade
