Offseason trade talk is in full swing now that the main activities, such as free agency and the NFL draft, are behind us. Mike Vrabel, the Patriots' new top man, has excelled thus far with improving the roster and will likely be looking further to bolster his roster through a trade or two.
Vrabel's defense received top additions at all three levels. He added Super Bowl hero, Milton Williams, at defensive tackle; Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens at inside linebacker; and Carlton Davis III at cornerback. It was a top haul of new playmaking talent.
Additionally, Vrabel addressed the bare cupboard at the edge. He signed his former player, Harold Landry III, who instantly became the team's best sack-producer along with young veteran K'Lavon Chaisson. He also drafted a sleeper in the fourth round, LSU's big edge rusher, Bradyn Swinson. All are improvements, but might Vrabel look to do more?
Will Mike Vrabel call the Giants about Kayvon Thibodeaux?
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report has cited the Giants' young edge, Kayvon Thibodeaux, as a possible trade candidate before the beginning of the 2025 season.
"Flip Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux for draft picks - It feels like this has been on the table since the Giants were getting heavily linked to Abdul Carter ahead of April's draft. It makes sense, seeing as the organization will likely commit to Carter and Brian Burns on the edge for the long haul, and the front office signed Chauncey Golston in free agency to further supplement the position.
Meanwhile, Thibodeaux has two years left on his contract and has been productive throughout his career, meaning New York could get a good haul for the 2022 first-round pick. That should be enticing for a team that enters the season with questions at quarterback."
Thibodeaux should be of interest to the Patriots for several reasons. The team could still use bolstering at the edge, and the former fifth-overall pick of the Giants in 2022 might just fit the bill.
He has 21 sacks in his three-year career, with 11.5 in 2023. His potential is off-the-charts. At only 24 years old and with two years left on his rookie deal, he'd be well worth a significant investment by Vrabel to further upgrade a position that was invisible in 2024.
While the additions he's already made are solid, especially with the grossly underrated Landry, the defense could still use another top addition to compete for time. As a young veteran with his best NFL football ahead of him, Thibodeaux might be just what the doctor ordered to bring the Patriots' edge position up to snuff.
The Patriots have every reason to inquire about a trade for Thibodeaux
Vrabel has remodeled the Patriots roster to win in 2025. The idea that a team can't be rebuilt in one offseason is a myth, as evidenced by the Commanders' success just last season. The Patriots are on track to do so now. Surrendering a future draft pick to facilitate that metamorphosis makes eminent sense for Vrabel and the Pats.
What might it take for the Giants to send Thibodeaux north to Foxborough? Since he was a very high first-round pick in 2022, the most obvious answer is a first-rounder. Since the Patriots are poised to make the playoffs, it won't be too high a pick to send, if that's what it takes to finalize the deal.
Another option might be to send a solid veteran player to the Giants who may fit their needs, along with a pick (s). The Patriots have several players who may qualify, including running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, safety Kyle Dugger, and edge rusher Anfernee Jennings. A combination of a player or two and maybe a second-round pick may work for all parties. (It certainly would for the Patriots!).
All this is speculation, but if Vrabel feels Thibodeaux is the real deal and just needs more time and perhaps better coaching to break out, then he should explore a deal. It took Vrabel himself a few years to hit his stride. If he sees Thibodeaux similarly, a trade might work. Vrabel should pick up the phone and call the Giants. He just might land a future gem at a price worth paying.