By Moses Joshua 
New York’s decision to hold onto its top pass rusher could reshape the midseason trade landscape for NFC contenders
Giants Stand Firm on Thibodeaux Amid Trade Buzz
A recent swirl of trade rumors surrounding the New York Giants has sent ripples across the NFC playoff race — particularly for teams like the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers that are hunting for pass-rush reinforcements.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Giants have made their position clear: Kayvon Thibodeaux isn’t going anywhere.
“Spoke to a few teams that reached out to the Giants on Kayvon Thibodeaux and they’ve been told there’s no interest in trading him, sources say. Thibodeaux is under contract through next season after the team picked up his fifth-year option and they intend on having him in 2026,” Garafolo wrote on X.
This development shuts down speculation that had been building over recent weeks. Earlier that same day, NFL insider Jordan Schultz hinted that Thibodeaux might be a name to watch as teams inquired whether the young edge rusher fit into the Giants’ long-term plans. That hope, however, has now been extinguished.
Why the Giants’ Decision Hurts Other NFC Contenders
Thibodeaux, just 24, has quietly put together a solid campaign despite New York’s struggles. Through eight games, he’s logged 2.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures, offering glimpses of the explosive potential that made him the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
For NFC contenders like the Lions, 49ers, and Buccaneers — all of whom have been scouring the market for help off the edge — this news delivers a setback.
- Detroit has been seeking a consistent threat to complement Aidan Hutchinson, whose relentless play often draws double teams.
- San Francisco, still reeling from Nick Bosa’s season-ending ACL injury, had been rumored to be exploring multiple defensive options.
- Meanwhile, Tampa Bay continues to search for stability after an underwhelming start from Haason Reddick in his role as the primary pass rusher.
Each of these teams could have viewed Thibodeaux as a potential midseason solution — a young, controllable player with upside who could immediately elevate their playoff push.
Giants Betting on Their Future
Despite a disappointing 2–6 start, the Giants appear unwilling to mortgage their defensive future. Thibodeaux may not have developed into a premier edge presence just yet, but the team believes his best football is still ahead. With his fifth-year option exercised, New York maintains control of him through 2026 — a strong indicator of their commitment to his long-term growth.
While the decision frustrates several NFC contenders, it underscores the Giants’ renewed focus on building around their youth rather than starting another rebuild. For the Lions, 49ers, and Buccaneers, however, it means returning to the drawing board in their search for the next impact defender before the trade deadline closes.
Bottom Line:
New York’s refusal to part ways with Kayvon Thibodeaux may not register as a blockbuster move, but its ripple effect could shape the postseason fortunes of multiple NFC playoff hopefuls — and force them to find answers elsewhere.