Potential trade candidate linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux is open to free agency if the New York Giants do not pick up his fifth-year option. According to the source, the Giants have a huge decision to make on the linebacker this offseason as Thibodeaux is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Originally selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Oregon product found himself in a heated exchange on social with former Dallas Cowboys Dez Bryant over Eagles’ Saquon Barkley. These antics have been going on for weeks as Thibodeaux is not holding back about how he feels about Bryant and the Cowboys.
Despite that, the linebacker was able to put up 28 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, a fumble and two passes deflected. Since the team is already likely to lose Azeez Ojulari in the market this upcoming 2025 free agency, the Giants can’t afford to miss out on Thibodeaux’s presence. However, they have a depleting offense with the quarterback position in the open while they embrace losing one of their best pass catchers in Darius Slayton. Perhaps, New York could put Thibodeaux on the trade block to get at least a high draft pick in return and here are some possible destinations for the linebacker if the two parties decide to part ways.
“I’ve Got Something to Prove Regardless” – Potential Trade Candidate Kayvon Thibodeaux Open to Testing Free Agency
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will need an outside pass rusher in the worst way and since Chase Young is heading to the free agent market, it will get worse if they don’t find a capable defensive linebacker. However, they’re not in a good financial landscape as they have several defensive pieces that have an uncertain future since most will likely get cut for salary concerns. Linebacker veteran DeMario Davis is one of the releases they may have to embrace if the team is looking for a younger option.
This is where Thibodeaux comes into the conversation. He enters the last year of his contract so the Saints don’t necessarily need to pay him. General Manager Mickey Loomis should take this as an advantage since he knows how to get certain players on a bargain since he refuses to rebuild.
Baltimore Ravens
For the Ravens, the defense hasn’t been as stellar as it was in 2023. However, it was enough for the Ravens to make it past the wild card but given the pass secondary was atrocious for most of the 2024 campaign, they could use some more pass rushers. Trenton Simpson doesn’t have a promising frame in improving anything further this upcoming season. Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith are aging so they must get someone like Thibodeaux who has a long-term ceiling for this defense.
Thibobeaux won’t be a starter but it gives a new fresh of air for David Ojabo who’s still struggling on the opposite end despite only playing in a depth role.
Los Angeles Chargers
Everyone should expect the Chargers to get an explosive linebacker considering the salary cap is in their favor this offseason. With Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa expected to leave, the Chargers could take a chance on Thibodeaux to see how he could excel before offering him a long-term extension. While they will likely extend Poona Ford, the team should add some depth to the linebacker unit regardless if Thibodeaux isn’t the only addition they make as an outside pass rusher.
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