Update emerges about potential Kayvon Thibodeaux trade

First-year New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh recently suggested that he expects pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is "going to play really well" for the team later this season. 

Thibodeaux has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the spring, as he is in a contract year and features for a club that has multiple players capable of starting at his position. During the latest edition of NFL Network's "The Insiders" program, league reporter Ian Rapoport offered a new update regarding Thibodeaux's status. 

Giants trading Kayvon Thibodeaux now unlikely

"My understanding is the trade possibilities stand from slim to none for Kayvon Thibodeaux," Rapoport said, per Pat Pickens of Heavy.

It was previously reported that the New Orleans Saints spoke with the Giants about Thibodeaux's availability during this year's draft. The Saints now seem interested in reuniting with longtime pass-rusher Cameron Jordan.

"Going into the draft," Rapoport continued, "there were some possibilities. The Giants did receive some calls from teams, including the New Orleans Saints. The Giants set a pretty high price on a player who is due some money but not a lot of money. They wanted a third-round [pick] for Kayvon Thibodeaux [and] did not get that and basically decided, 'OK, we are going to keep him.'" 

Giants aren't done with Kayvon Thibodeaux quite yet

The Giants having rookie Arvell Reese, veteran Brian Burns and 2025 first-round draft pick Abdul Carter on the roster could make Thibodeaux surplus to requirements for the club, especially if Big Blue has a losing record ahead of the November trade deadline. That said, a previous report indicated that Reese will be used "largely as a linebacker" during his rookie season. 

"They have plans for Kayvon Thibodeaux," Rapoport said about the Giants. "They have plans for all of their super-athletic defenders, including Reese, including Thibodeaux. I expect them all to play together this year, and whatever happens after that, all sides will figure it out." 

Harbaugh praised how Thibodeaux has handled rumors about his uncertain future "with so much maturity." According to the Giants' website, Thibodeaux later said that he appreciated the kind words because he knows that "it's hard to compliment people in this league." 

"My mission is just to be the best Kayvon Thibodeaux I can be," Thibodeaux added. "Just be the best player on the team. Get as many sacks as possible, stop the run as much as possible, and play 17 games."

If the Giants win more than they lose, Thibodeaux could appear in at least 17 games with his current employer through January 2026.