Rumors that the Patriots might trade for a wide receiver dominated headlines throughout the offseason until they inevitably acquired A.J. Brown in June. Other chatter predicted they would add a linebacker to bolster their seemingly questionable roster, with Kayvon Thibodeaux as the main target.
Because the Giants revamped their defensive line over the past two years, including adding linebacker Arvell Reese in this year's draft, a young player like Thibodeaux was moving down the depth chart.
Brian Burns's emergence, along with the team's first-round pick on Abdul Carter last year, showed the team wasn't all that thrilled with the 25-year-old's recent performances, making him a clear trade target. New head coach John Harbaugh didn't shut the rumors down, either, keeping the Patriots connected to him even into the 2026 season.
Although the Patriots' defensive line has played much better over the first two weeks than expected, they still have injuries to deal with, including Harold Landry and now Dre'Mont Jones, which keeps Thibodeaux a possibility.
That is, until Brian Burns suffered an injury last week that will sideline him for several games, meaning Thibodeaux will likely get more chances to get on the field and make an impact ahead of this year's trade deadline.
Brian Burns being sidelined probably takes a prime trade target off the table for the Patriots
After suffering an ankle injury against the Rams this past Monday night, Burns is reportedly set to miss several games while he recovers. It's a major blow to New York's defense, since he's been a key contributor to their success since last year, but it also gives Thibodeaux a chance to remind the team why they drafted him four years ago.
It's an opportunity he otherwise wouldn't have at this stage in the season, especially since he hasn't played much in the first two games. Partly because they have solid depth at the position, but it's also clear they value his teammates more.
That wasn't always the case: Thibodeaux was a first-round pick in 2022 and had an impressive second season, recording 50 combined tackles, 12 for a loss, 16 quarterback hits, 4 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 11.5 sacks.
With that kind of production, he looked like he could be the face of the defense for years to come, only to put up half those stats in 2023 and accomplish even less over the next two years, making him a top trade target.
His fate will change, at least for now, which will likely take him off the table for the Patriots.
However, little has been reported about their interest in him, so it's unclear whether he would ever be a legitimate target. But Landry's return is still uncertain, and they still need help rushing the passer, even if some current players have had flashy moments.
Right now, they're not consistent enough to feel confident they'll be the performers they need to be against some of the toughest opponents left on the schedule. Thibodeaux could help make that much better.
He might be considered untouchable with Burns sidelined, so a team like the Patriots might be wasting their time inquiring. But there's no harm in trying, particularly just making the call and gauging what they'd be looking for.
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