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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 26: General manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears looks on prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on December 26, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears are looking to add some help in the pass-rushing department during the 2026 NFL Draft, and it could come in an unexpected way: a trade with the New York Giants for edge rusher Kavyon Thibodeaux.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay listed Thibodeaux as an under-the-radar candidate to be traded during the 2026 NFL Draft, but the most important part is the expected capital needed to trade for Thibodeaux: “While Thibodeaux’s trade value isn’t high after a disappointing 2025 showing, he still has some upside remaining that could net Big Blue a late-Day 2 or early-Day 3 pick,” Kay wrote. “It would be a fair return at this point for a player who has struggled to contribute and stay healthy.”
Kay also mentioned how ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, who covers the Giants, said that league sources expect New York to ship him off this offseason.
If he’s available for just a third- or fourth-round pick, the Bears should keep an eye on him as the first two rounds unfold.
Bears Could Find Value in A Kayvon Thibodeaux Trade
GettyKayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Kayvon Thibodeaux fits what Dennis Allen likes in a pass rusher, standing 6’5″ and weighing 258 pounds. He also has proven he can be a productive pass rusher in 2023, where he tallied 50 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles, and is still just 25 years old.
The problem is he’s dealt with injuries since then, limiting him to just 12 games played in 2024 and 10 in 2025. Thibodeaux also has a combined 7.5 sacks since then.
There’s no sugar coating this: If the Bears were to trade for Thibodeaux, it would be because they believe Thibodeaux can return to his 2023 form and deserves a contract extension after the 2026 season.
It would also be beneficial for Chicago if the Giants become desperate and make him available for just a fifth-round pick.
The Giants are more likely to shop Kayvon Thibodeaux in trade talks than extend him, per @DanGrazianoESPN.
Thibodeaux will make $14.8 million this season on his fifth-year team option.
ESPN Connects Bears With Thibodeaux
Back in late February, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Ben Solak pinned the Bears, along with the Chargers and Bengals, as a top landing spot for Kayvon Thibodeaux, who they believe has a “70% chance of being traded.”
The good news for the Bears is that everyone around the league knows that the Giants are willing to trade away Thibodeaux, which could inevitably lower his asking price.
If the Bears leave the second round with a draft combination of either a defensive tackle, safety, cornerback, or left tackle, that could leave the door open for a potential trade for Thibodeaux.
Sports Illustrated’s Mike Kadlick also connected the Bears and Thibodeaux, writing, “The Bears were in on Maxx Crosby before his situation ultimately ended with him returning to the Raiders, and they’ve yet to truly address the edge rusher position this offseason. Trading for Thibodeaux, who’s still on his rookie contract, would be yet another victory for Ryan Poles & Co. in Chicago.”
Again, it would essentially be a one-year rental with Chicago needing to hand Thibodeaux an extension the following offseason, but for the right price, it could be a sneaky move the Bears could make during the draft.
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