Giants facing tough reality regarding potential Kayvon Thibodeaux trade

The New York Giants reportedly are in no rush to part ways with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II even though the two sides seemingly aren't close to coming to a resolution after he submitted a trade request related to his desire for a pay raise. 

Meanwhile, the future of pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux seems to be up in the air heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. For his latest mailbag, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated explained why the Giants may hold onto Thibodeaux even though they also have quarterback-chasers Brian Burns and 2025 first-round draft pick Abdul Carter on the roster. 

What could Giants realistically get for Kayvon Thibodeaux?

"He’s in a contract year and has missed far more games (12) than he’s had sacks (8) over the past two years, after a breakout second season through which he had 11.5 sacks," Breer wrote about Thibodeaux. "The athletic potential is still there, but how much does that mean to another team? What would push you to give him up? Maybe a third-round pick? And if I’m the Giants, I might do it for that, as they don’t have a third right now."

A previous report claimed that the Giants could accept "a late second-round pick or early third-round pick" for Thibodeaux to give head coach John Harbaugh a needed asset for Harbaugh's ongoing roster restructuring. It sounds like Harbaugh may view Thibodeaux as an important piece of a defense that is expected to improve under its new leader this coming fall. 

Why Giants may not sell Kayvon Thibodeaux at a discounted price 

"The Giants would be giving up on a guy they drafted with the fifth pick (in 2022), who could have a breakout year and bring home a compensatory third-rounder after the season if he does," Breer added about a possible Thibodeaux trade. "So, again, I don’t know that someone’s going to bring enough to the table to make it worth it for the Giants to take Thibodeaux out of what could be a fearsome rotation with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, if Carter’s able to break through in Year 2."

In short, an interested team may have to pay a higher-than-expected price to acquire Thibodeaux from the Giants.