Numerous upgrades were needed to the Patriots' roster this offseason, leaving a tall task ahead for new head coach Mike Vrabel. Fortunately, the team had the most cap space to utilize in free agency, plus excellent positioning in the draft, allowing them to accomplish that far more impressively than anyone anticipated.
It has prompted varying projections regarding how their 2025 season may unfold, with some believing they could be a wildcard playoff contender despite recording back-to-back 4-13 seasons. That would be quite an accomplishment for Vrabel, given the position he was put in, but there might still be some work to be done on the roster to nearly guarantee that is the team's future.
There are still concerns from some analysts regarding specific areas of the team, with the pass rush being one of them.
Although they added some good players to address that weakness this offseason, they might not have done enough to put them over the top. That's why the Patriots are now considered a team in line to trade for a young and dominant EDGE who could be moved before the season begins.
It would be smart of the Patriots to inquire about Kayvon Thibodeaux's availability
At this stage of the offseason, most teams are evaluating their current rosters and not looking to add outside players to toughen that process as training camp nears. However, that doesn't mean that teams like the Patriots, who still have plenty of money to spend and roster holes to address, won't be interested in adding stars who might become available.
That could be the inevitable future for Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux, who Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes could be on the trade block this summer, listing the Patriots as a top trade contender if so.
Knox states that Thibodeaux could be preparing for a second season recording double-digit sacks, and if that's the case, the Giants might be apt to trade him when his value is the highest. That's especially true after they traded for Brian Burns last offseason and used their first-round draft pick on Abdul Carter. That would then make him available for the Patriots to trade for.
"The Patriots, who recorded just 28 sacks in 2024, should have interest in adding Thibodeaux if he's available. New England did add Harold Landry III and Milton Williams in free agency but could still use another sack artist on its defensive front."
On top of having suitable talent to make up for his loss, the Giants would save $14.8 million in cap space next year by moving on from Thibodeaux now. Given that New York is in somewhat of a rebuild, or even just a retool, that could be an appealing factor.
That could make for a great trade by Vrabel and strengthen their defensive line even more. It will really hinge on the price, however.
The new regime has made it very clear that they want to build the roster through the draft, so giving up any capital might not be something they're exactly interested in. That would be required to obtain Thibodeaux, but it might be a solid deal since he is only 24 years old.
That, coupled with his experience in the league already, makes him a far more desirable player than drafting their next pass rusher in the 2026 draft. If they can get him for a decent price, it's hard to suggest they don't make the move. Thibodeaux has already proven to be the wrecking ball kind of player the Patriots want on their team, so they should be on the phone as soon as possible if there's any inkling that the Giants want to move him.