Within the rumors circulating regarding the Patriots' potential trade targets ahead of next week's deadline, there's been the suggestion that they're heavily looking to upgrade at running back or pass rusher, given their current injury situation and lack of dominance against opposing quarterbacks.
That makes a player like Giants' Kayvon Thibodeaux someone to watch for, and that has become even more relevant based on the latest reports surrounding the young EDGE heading into Week 9.
Although there are conflicting reports about the Giants' interest in potentially trading away one of their defensive pillars, NFL insider Jordan Schultz is one who stated his sources are claiming Thibodeaux is a player they're willing to listen to offers about, even if he has become a solid part of their defensive overhaul of the last few years.
Sources: Another name to watch on the trade front is #Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux. He’s under contract for another year after this season, but some around the league have wondered whether he’s part of New York’s long-term plans and if he could become available with the Giants… pic.twitter.com/WO4ANH9GWQ
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 28, 2025
Even if New York isn't hellbent on trading him away, there's no reason for the Patriots not to, at the very least, kick the tires on his availability. He could be a solid addition to their defensive line and really put their pass rush over the top alongside Harold Landry III and K'Lavon Chaisson.
The Patriots have every reason in the book to inquire about Kayvon Thibodeaux's trade availability
In this year's draft, the Giants used the third overall pick to select the best pass rusher of the 2025 class, Penn State's Abdul Carter, to become an anchor of their defense and establish an identity as soon as this season.
He was set to link up with Thibodeaux and morph into a dominant duo, which is slowly but surely coming to fruition. However, the Giants' season is an absolute mess, and they might be looking to trade some superstar players to gain draft capital to completely revamp their roster for the long term.
That makes Thibodeaux an immediate trade option, and the Patriots should, at the very least, inquire about what it would take to get a deal done.
At just 24 years old, he would be a long-term solution for their defensive woes and help elevate those around him to establish the kind of group that Mike Vrabel is hoping to assemble. He's already performing at a high level and has recorded 21 combined tackles, five for a loss, nine quarterback hits, and 2.5 sacks this season, which the Patriots would gladly welcome to their team.
It will presumably cost a pretty penny to get the Giants to reconsider their alleged no-trade stance, especially since Thibodeaux was a fifth overall pick in 2022. But if the Patriots are looking at taking a pass rusher early in next year's draft, it might be worth giving up that pick to acquire an established veteran instead.