Trade Pitch Brings Commanders $46 Million ‘Consolation Prize’ Edge Rusher

“A potential Kayvon Thibodeaux trade has made sense ever since the New York Giants drafted Abdul Carter to team up with Brian Burns,” Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon wrote on June 18. ” … Still, considering shortcomings elsewhere, trading Thibodeaux to address a larger need would be logical, especially if the team is still alive as the deadline approaches … If that’s how things go down, we are again looking at Washington, Green Bay and Detroit. In this case, Thibodeaux is the consolation prize because he’s not close to as established as Hendrickson.”

Commanders Not Afraid to Deal in Own Division

If the Commanders were to make a deal for Thibodeaux, it would be the second consecutive year they’ve made a trade with a a team in their own division.

In August 2024, the Commanders dealt wide receiver and former first round pick Jahan Dotson to the Eagles along with a 2025 fifth round pick in exchange for a 2025 third round pick and a pair of 2025 seventh round picks.

In the case of Thibodeaux, and in the hopes of not giving up as many draft picks, the Commanders might be smart to package a player in the trade at a position the Giants are weak at, which is almost everywhere but the defensive front.

“Even with the 2025 draft class running deep with edge rushing talent, the Commanders opted not to address the position, despite it being one of their most glaring needs,” PFF’s Mason Cameron wrote on May 9. “To maximize their window to contend in the NFC, they should make a big move. With names like Trey Hendrickson and Kayvon Thibodeaux floating on the trade block, Washington could make a play for either.”

Thibodeaux Could Still Have NFL All-Pro Upside

The Giants showed they still have believe Thibodeaux could still have NFL All-Pro upside when they picked up the $14.75 million fifth year option on his rookie contract — a move that would bring his career earnings to approximately $46 million following the 2026 season.

Thibodeaux, the No. 5 overall pick, has 21.0 sacks through his first 3 seasons, including a career high 11.5 sacks in 2023.