NFL analyst predicts the Lions trade for former fifth overall pick, why it's smart, and what a trade would look like

The edge rusher conversation never stops when it comes to the Detroit Lions. It seems like there's a different guy being talked about every week. This one actually makes some sense, though if you ask us. 

Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon put out five bold trades that could be made at the trade deadline this season, and for the Lions, he has them making a deal to acquire former fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux from the New York Giants. 

Gagnon suggests that since the Giants drafted Abdul Carter with the third pick and traded for Brian Bruns last summer, they might see Thibodeaux as somewhat expendable. 

This is not the first time Thibodeaux has popped up as someone who could be traded. It's not even the first time that we've talked about it. Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Giants were reportedly looking for ways to get back into the first round and were rumored to be considering moving Thibodeaux to do that. 

We suggested the Lions trade the 28th pick for Thibodeaux and the 65th pick in the second round. Ultimately, the Giants did trade back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart. They traded their second and third-round picks and a future third to do it. 

The reason we think it makes so much sense is that the Lions wouldn't be tied down to a long-term contract with Thibodeaux. They get a guy who's still on his rookie deal, and they have contractual control of until after the 2026 season. This isn't the Lions trading for a gigantic contract they can't afford. 

Now, Thibodeaux will probably want a nice deal at some point, but the Lions are required to pay it. Even if he's only in town for a year and a half, it's worth making the move to get the desired effect of having two really solid pass rushers en route to trying to win a Super Bowl right now.

What would a trade look like? Initially, we thought a third-round pick might get it done, but the Lions don't have a third-round pick in 2026, so we had to get a little creative. 

Lions get: Keyvon Thibodeaux
Giants get: 2026 4th round pick and 2027 5th round pick

That's a pretty strong value for a player who is solid, but not a Pro Bowl or All-Pro level player. A guy New York plans to have come off the bench. The Giants get two early day three picks and the opportunity not to have to pay Thibodeaux, and the Lions get a nice upgrade opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Everyone wins.