The New England Patriots' defense is clearly a strong unit, as they rank in the top ten in points allowed per game. Their run defense has been particularly impressive, as the additions of Milton Williams and Harold Landry have helped support the defensive line.
Rookie Joshua Farmer and free agent Khyiris Tonga have also gotten plenty of opportunities, and the unit holds teams to less than 84 yards on the ground per game. No rusher has eclipsed 50 yards against them this season.
For as good as they have been against the run, they have struggled against passing attacks. Christian Gonzalez's return and the emergence of Marcus Jones have helped, but Carlton Davis is looking to be a bust of a free agent signing through six weeks. After an electric start for the pass rush, they've mellowed to 18th in the league in sacks per game, at 2.2. The group is tied with the Saints and Giants.
Other than Landry, the team added K'Lavon Chaisson, while UDFA Elijah Ponder also made the team. Keion White and Anfernee Jennings returned from last year. While the pressure has mostly come from Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, adding another outside pass rusher isn't the worst idea.
Trading for Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a savvy move for the Patriots
In a recent article from Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, it's suggested that Kayvon Thibodeaux, the fifth overall pick in 2022, could be on the move via a trade. The former Oregon Duck was one of two top-seven picks for the Giants in '22, neither of which has panned out as expected (Evan Neal). Thibodeaux is a solid player, but hasn't lived up to his No. 5 overall billing with 21 sacks through his first three seasons.
Despite the upward motion of the Giants through their young core of players, Thibodeaux could still be dealt. Looking at the rest of the season, the Giants have the hardest schedule in the league, and still have a losing record at 2-4. No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter and superstar Brian Burns are already mainstays on the edge, making Thibodeaux surplus. He has 2.5 sacks through the first six games with a 71.4 overall PFF grade.
Making a move for the edge rusher wouldn't be all that difficult, particularly if the Giants lose their next few games leading up to the trade deadline, November 10. They'll face the Broncos, Eagles, 49ers, and Bears in the month leading up to it. Knox suggests a second-round pick or starting-caliber receiver could be enough to pry him away from the 2-4 squad.
While it's hard to imagine the Patriots trading away Stefon Diggs or Kayshon Boutte at this point in the year, there are some players on defense they could move in a trade for Thibodeaux. Most notably, Keion White or Anfernee Jennings, along with a draft pick, could be enough to get the deal done.
Alternatively, they could send 2024 third-round pick Caedan Wallace to New York with a pick, as he's yet to be active for a game this year. Maybe the change of scene could do the former No. 68 pick some good?
Thibodeaux is on the books for just shy of $15 million next season, given his fifth-year option, but if the Patriots think they can get him back to the level he showed during his 11.5 sack 2023, they should absolutely make the move. Keion White and a third-round pick seem like a reasonable deal for both sides, as the Giants receive an athletic defender who's a former second-round pick, and the Patriots nab a potentially lethal edge rusher.
The ex-Oregon player would be an incredible addition to the Patriots' squad, and Vrabel should do what it takes to add him if he truly is available.