Should Abdul Carter's use in camp silence Kayvon Thibodeaux trade talk?

ESPN's Seth Walder suggested Wednesday that the New York Giants should trade pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to the Green Bay Packers for a 2026 second-round selection. 

On paper, the hypothetical deal makes sense for the Giants, who handed veteran Brian Burns a five-year, $141M contract in March 2024 before making edge-rusher Abdul Carter the third overall pick of the 2025 draft. However, ESPN's Jordan Raanan noted on Wednesday that Carter's work in the early days of training camp could show that he, Thibodeaux and Burns could all be on the field together during games this fall. 

"The team is as impressed by Carter's play early in camp as those watching from the sidelines," Raanan wrote. "...Carter has already been seen this spring and summer rushing off the edge, as an off-ball linebacker and from the interior of the defensive line. His versatility makes this possible."

The Giants exercised Thibodeaux's fifth-year option for 2026 attached to his rookie contract this spring, even though the 2022 first-rounder has left much to be desired with his play. Most recently, he missed time last season after he suffered a wrist injury that required surgery. Thibodeaux then ended the campaign with just 5.5 sacks over 12 games.

That said, Raanan noted that Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor believes that Carter, Thibodeaux and Burns "will be the best pass-rushing trio in the league" and "double-digit sack candidates" while playing under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. Erich Richter of the New York Post also seems to think that the Giants will hold onto Thibodeaux through the summer. 

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 21-year-old as the overall betting favorite at +250 odds to claim the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for the upcoming season. Perhaps these odds assume Thibodeaux's presence on the field will gift Carter with desirable matchups in the trenches. 

Additionally, DraftKings Sportsbook had the 2025 Giants at +100 betting odds to notch over 5.5 wins. If Big Blue seems destined for another losing season, Giants general manager Joe Schoen could consider fielding calls about Thibodeaux's availability before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 4.