A new hypothetical trade lands the New York Giants a young pass catcher who desperately needs a change of scenery

Giants receive TE Michael Mayer in a hypothetical three team trade

Trade terms

- Packers get: ED Kayvon Thibodeaux
- Raiders get: WR Romeo Doubs
- Giants get: TE Michael Mayer, 4th-round pick from Green Bay

Why it makes sense for the Giants 

"Once the Giants drafted Abdul Carter, things got cloudy regarding Kayvon Thibodeaux's future with the team due to their financial backing of Brian Burns and the front office choosing to use a premium selection with the third overall pick in the draft. Over the past three seasons, Thibodeaux has started in all 43 games he has appeared in. I wouldn't be shocked at all come training camp if the young edge rusher got frustrated with his new rotational role and wanted a fresh start elsewhere.

In this trade, the Giants would net tight end Michael Mayer, who had flashes of being a solid playmaker during his rookie year, but saw his snaps diminish drastically after the Raiders' decision to draft Brock Bowers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. So, he needs a fresh start. With the Giants electing to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart in the first round of this year's draft, they need to add more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball to make his life easier—whenever he's given the keys to the starting job. On top of it, getting a fourth-round pick from Green Bay could certainly make the Giants seriously consider this deal. If Thibodeaux publicly requests a trade later, their potential return in a trade could very well be a fourth- or fifth-round pick by itself."

- Hypothetical three team trade

A young TE and a fourth round pick might not sound like a great return for Thibodeaux, but it's probably pretty realistic for what they could possibly get. Many believe Mayer has gotten the tough end of the stick with the Las Vegas Raiders replacing him with Brock Bowers, and his best football could still very much be in front of him. 

If the Giants made this move, they'd have two young TEs who have plenty of upside in Mayer and Theo Johnson. They could compete to be the team's starter, and whoever loses that battle would be a solid rotational piece and contributor in two TE sets. One of them hitting would be a major boost for the Giants' QB room this year, and more importantly, a boost for whenever the team elects to hand Jaxson Dart the keys to their offense.