New York Giants sought a second-round pick for Kayvon Thibodeaux

The New York Giants entered the 2026 NFL draft with a deep edge group and ultimately selected Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese fifth overall. That move only heightened speculation about the future of pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Trade discussions involving Thibodeaux surfaced in the weeks leading up to and during the draft.

Multiple reports indicated the Giants were open to listening on the 2022 first-round pick, but never came close to a deal . General manager Joe Schoen downplayed in-draft rumors , while external reporting confirmed that limited conversations had occurred earlier. Dan Duggan of The Athletic now reports that the New Orleans Saints had offered a fourth-round pick in exchange for Thibodeaux, but the Giants were demanding a second-round pick .

The Saints were the team most interested in trading for Thibodeaux, however, according to a league source. The problem was the sides weren’t close on potential compensation. The Saints’ best offer is believed to have been a fourth-round pick (No.

132), while the Giants were seeking a second-round pick — the Saints had the 42nd selection. The Saints ultimately addressed their edge needs by acquiring Tyree Wilson from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Giants, meanwhile, retained Thibodeaux as part of a now-crowded but versatile pass-rush corps that also includes Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Reese, who is expected to begin his career at inside linebacker.