At the end of May, the Detroit Lions passed on a chance to acquire pass rusher Bryce Huff, deciding against a trade for the unhappy defender. This move suggests the team is comfortable with the current state of its defensive line heading into the 2025 season. However, many fans and analysts still believe the Lions lack a strong pass-rushing presence to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
While no top-tier edge rushers are currently on the market, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report proposed a surprise solution in a recent article: a potential trade for New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. Though it would be a bold and potentially risky move, Gagnon argues it could pay major dividends for Detroit.
Lions Trade Proposal: Acquire Kayvon Thibodeaux from Giants
From Detroit’s viewpoint, the deal makes sense. Thibodeaux was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft but has struggled with consistency in his first three seasons. Despite that, his potential remains high.
In his three-year career, Thibodeaux has posted 127 tackles, 21 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, 24 QB hits, 74 hurries, and 121 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. His breakout season came in 2023, when he notched 11.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.
Still, his future in New York is uncertain. The Giants used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft on Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter and previously signed Brian Burns to a massive deal, potentially making Thibodeaux the odd man out.
A trade to Detroit could benefit both teams: the Lions desperately need another impact edge rusher, and the Giants could gain valuable draft capital. Placing Thibodeaux opposite Hutchinson could give Detroit one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rush duos.
Thibodeaux has already shown he can disrupt opposing offenses, and lining up next to a star like Hutchinson might unlock his full potential. For a Lions squad aiming to contend for a Super Bowl, acquiring a high-ceiling player like Thibodeaux could elevate their defense to elite status.
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