Could Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux be a trade candidate for Patriots?

Despite a bounce-back 2025 season, the New England Patriots still have quite a bit of work to do if they wish to be contenders for 2026. Along with linebacker and wide receiver, the Patriots have a sizable gap at the edge position, as New England was not an elite team at rushing the passer in 2025. 

Rumors surrounding potential trade candidates have been swirling in New England this offseason, with Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby being the main topic of discussion. However, with the Raiders commanding a package similar to the one for Micah Parsons, the Patriots’ interest in Crosby seems to have cooled, as they may not want to part with the required capital. 

Given this, the question remains: Where do the Patriots go from here?

Kayvon Thibodeaux could be the answer for New England

With Crosby seemingly off the table, the Patriots could turn their attention to another edge-rusher who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason in the New York Giants' Thibodeaux. After a down 2025 campaign, the Giants are reportedly willing to move on from their former first-round pick, per Connor Hughes of SNY. 

After a breakout 2023 season, Thibodeaux has seen his play steadily decline in New York, totaling just two and a half sacks and 25 total tackles in 10 games in 2025. Despite this, however, Thibodeaux is just 25 years old, and given his talent, he could greatly benefit from a change of scenery.

The Patriots should be all over a potential trade with the Giants, as, in addition to his age and untapped potential, the package New England would have to send away would be significantly cheaper.  

Thibodeaux would bring some much-needed juice and youth to New England’s edge room. While New England does have Harold Landry, there are concerns about both his age and production. Landry will be 30 heading into 2026, and despite his hot start to his Patriots career, he had injury concerns and amassed just three sacks over his final eight games. 

A trade for Thibodeaux would be huge for New England, and given where he is in his career, he’d be the ultimate plug-and-play add for the Patriots.