Because Patriots GM Eliot Wolf has said all the right things about doing what it takes to improve the roster, including blockbuster trades, the team continues to be connected to some of the highest-profile trade candidates this offseason might have to offer.
One of the top names that continues to invoke a lot of chatter is Giants' pass rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux. He has become the outsider of New York's defensive line after they drafted Abdul Carter in 2025, while also rostering Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns.
Thibodeaux immediately becomes a trade chip for the rebuilding Giants, and the Patriots' need for a young pass rusher is among their most dire this offseason. Trading for the 25-year-old would be a sign that they're willing to do what it takes to bring the team to new heights, but the most recent rumors might put that idea to rest before it has a chance even to begin.
Giants' alleged asking price for Kayvon Thibodeaux would likely force the Patriots to back out of any interest
That's the latest takeaway from the ongoing chatter about Thibodeaux's availability, and according to Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris on the Cross Chop podcast, the Giants are asking a lot in return to trade their superstar.
Harris spoke about the Cowboys' apparent interest in the defensive end during the NFL Combine last month, and, based on what New York wants, it is said to have forced Dallas to back out of their interest.
"They [the Cowboys] checked in on that around the Combine. That compensation was looking like either a first-round pick or either a two and a three. It's just not attainable."
The only silver lining here is that it wouldn't be at all surprising for the Giants to give their divisional rival an egregious asking price to get them off their tail. In division trades are uncommon, but especially for a player like Thibodeaux, so it's entirely possible that they just wanted to get Jerry Jones to stop inquiring.
That could leave the door open for the Patriots, who would almost assuredly not be interested in trading a first-rounder for Thibodeaux regardless of how much help they need on their defensive line, so maybe the Giants would actually accept less.
Regardless, it wouldn't be a bad idea to inquire and see what they are really looking for, and if it is a first-rounder, then Vrabel and Wolf can follow the Cowboys and back out, especially since they are rumored to be looking to add an EDGE with the No. 31 pick in next month's draft.