The Minnesota Vikings do not have their usual level of outside linebacker depth this summer, thanks to a trade that sent Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles in April. The club has in-house options to promote depth and can even explore free agency for a veteran like Jadeveon Clowney or Leonard Floyd. But what about a trade? New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is believed to be on the trade block.
It’s worth wondering what he might cost in a trade and whether the Vikings should inquire.
Thibodeaux’s Upside Might Fit Brian Flores’s Defense
Thibodeaux on the Block?
ESPN’s Dan Graziano named Thibodeaux as a trade candidate earlier this month and explained, “Thibodeaux is making $14.751 million this year in the fifth-year option season of his rookie contract. Teams aren’t too keen on the idea of that kind of money for a player whose playing time and production have tailed off since his big 2023 season (11.5 sacks).”
“But if Thibodeaux starts strong and the Giants either aren’t contending or believe they should trade from a strength to fortify a weakness, other teams could take a look at the 25-year-old once there isn’t so much money left on his deal. Thibodeaux is making $14.751 million this year in the fifth-year option season of his rookie contract.”
Thibodeaux will hit free agency in eight months if the Giants don’t trade or extend him.
Graziano continued, “Teams aren’t too keen on the idea of that kind of money for a player whose playing time and production have tailed off since his big 2023 season (11.5 sacks).”
“But if Thibodeaux starts strong and the Giants either aren’t contending or believe they should trade from a strength to fortify a weakness, other teams could take a look at the 25-year-old once there isn’t so much money left on his deal.”
The Career Production
Thibodeaux’s NFL career has been a mixed bag, showing flashes of brilliance alongside inconsistencies, making him an intriguing prospect if the acquisition cost is reasonable. In his four seasons with the Giants, he started 53 games, accumulating 23.5 sacks, 152 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 55 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles.
He even finished fourth in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, showcasing his legitimate NFL talent.
However, his pass-rush performance hasn’t consistently reached superstar levels. While he had a strong 2023 season with 11.5 sacks and 35 pressures, his sack production declined significantly to 5.5 in 2024 and 2.5 in 2025. Pro Football Focus corroborates the assessment, noting his extensive playing time, occasional standout pass-rush plays, and improved run defense, but also highlighting his struggles with tackling. In 2025, his run-defense grade soared to 80.7, yet his tackling grade was a dismal 27.9, coupled with a 29% missed-tackle rate.
Overall, Thibodeaux is a young, experienced player with the physical tools to make an impact. The Vikings would be acquiring a player with sweet potential, rather than an established superstar. That sounds ideal for the 2026 OLB3 job — if the price is right.
NYG Rejecting a 4th-Rounder; Could a 3rd-Round Pick Do the Trick?
It seems Thibodeaux is legitimately on the trade block — but the Giants want to get something notable for his services.
NFL writer Sam Robinson wrote in May, “It is certainly possible more time for Reese as a traditional pass rusher opens up via a Kayvon Thibodeaux trade. Moving Thibodeaux has come up on a few occasions this offseason, including on draft weekend. The Giants rejected a Saints fourth-round offer for Thibodeaux, holding out for a second-rounder.“
“Big Blue is believed to value Thibodeaux ‘significantly higher’ than the rest of the league right now, according to ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan, who adds the fifth-year edge defender has impressed the new Giants coaching staff.”
If New York turned down a 4th-Rounder, Thibodeaux’s eventual final price would have to be a 3rd-Rounder. No team will spend a 2nd-Rounder on him, especially a pick from the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft, which is on tap to be stuffed to the gills with talent.
Vikings fans, and maybe even new general manager Nolan Teasley, must ask whether Thibodeaux for a 3rd-Rounder is worth it. Interestingly, Minnesota has a “leftover” 3rd-Rounder next year from the fruit of the Greenard trade. The Vikings could basically trade for Thibodeaux, making the final deal Greenard for Thibodeaux and rookie safety Jakobe Thomas.
Otherwise: Golday, Ingram-Dawkins, Richter, Batty, or Free Agent
If Minnesota has no interest in Thibodeaux, it has in-house options for the OLB3 role behind Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner. It could host a training camp battle between three unsung, backup pass rushers: Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Kam’Ron Stewart. Another EDGE, Chaz Chambliss, could even factor into this competition.
Or the Vikings could fully convert second-year defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins to OLB. The club has hinted at that outcome this month.
The Vikings also drafted Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday in April. He may be prime for hybrid ILB-OLB duty like his new teammate, Van Ginkel.
Otherwise, the free-agent market offers the aforementioned Clowney and Floyd, among others.
Thibodeaux will turn 26 in December.
