Why Giants' John Harbaugh has reportedly made this Kayvon Thibodeaux trade decision

Some outsiders assumed that New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh viewed pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux as surplus to requirements before the Giants made Ohio State defensive star Arvell Reese the fifth overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

However, there has been no real indication since the draft wrapped up that the Giants were taking calls regarding Thibodeaux's availability. On Wednesday, Giants reporter Jordan Raanan of ESPN suggested that Thibodeaux will be staying put through at least the start of the 2026 season. 

John Harbaugh would rather have Kayvon Thibodeaux than a future draft asset?

"Harbaugh is not interested in a rebuild," Raanan explained. "He wants to compete for a playoff spot this season. ...The Giants could always reconsider their stance on Thibodeaux at the trade deadline, depending on the state of the team. But if he has a strong season, they could franchise-tag and trade him next year."

Thibodeaux is in a contract year and was heavily linked with the New Orleans Saints during the draft. However, a subsequent report claimed that "the Saints’ best offer is believed to have been a fourth-round pick (No. 132), while the Giants were seeking a second-round pick — the Saints had the 42nd selection." 

According to Raanan, Thibodeaux is now on track to be the Giants' third-choice edge-rusher this fall behind veteran Brian Burns and 2025 first-round draft pick Abdul Carter. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted for Wednesday's article that Reese is expected to start his pro career at inside linebacker. 

How Kayvon Thibodeaux has reportedly responded to trade chatter

"The Giants aren't just going to give him away," Raanan said about Thibodeaux. "They would have traded him for the right return earlier this year (i.e., second-round pick). A source said Thibodeaux has impressed the new staff this offseason and is valued significantly higher than what the rest of the league offered." 

Thibodeaux likely has no long-term future with the Giants, which is why he could be made available if Big Blue has a losing record ahead of the trade deadline. That said, Raanan added that the Giants would have to receive an offer "that absolutely blows them away" to trade Thibodeaux before Harbaugh's first campaign with the club gets underway in September.