After having one of the worst defenses last season, the Cincinnati Bengals could target one last defensive player, Kayvon Thibodeaux, before the 2026 season. Cincinnati has made strides in building a new defense since losing Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite trading for Former Giants defensive tackle and starter Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals probably aren’t done. The Bengals are listed as a possible suitor for Thibodeaux, but it has to make “cents.”
Thibodeaux’s deal is up in 2027, so the team could bring him in for a year, but they will need to figure out a contract if he breaks out. Selected as a first-round pick, the former Oregon product is coming off his worst season. It makes “sense” why the Giants are open to moving from, especially with the pass-rusher coming off a season-ending injury. If New York had lowered the price, Thibodeaux would have been gone as soon as last week.
Giants, Bengals Connected in Blockbuster Kayvon Thibodeaux Trade – Other Fits Possible
The Giants were in talks with the New Orleans Saints during the second day of this year’s draft regarding Thibodeaux. Unfortunately, the teams couldn’t agree on a deal that worked. Kayvon Thibodeaux could stay with the Giants, but he will become a free agent, and the team would rather get something out of him. However, the reality is that no team will be paying a high draft pick for the pass-rusher.
He has a concerning injury history despite having a breakout campaign in 2023, hauling in 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. It won’t make sense to keep him, as the Giants already have Brian Burns, Tremaine Edmunds, and now selected Arvell Reese with the first round of this year’s draft. Here are three teams that might be willing to offer for Thibodeaux.
Potential Landing Spots
Los Angeles Chargers
Kayvon Thibodeaux heading to the Los Angeles Chargers would be the major splash move the team needs. The Chargers didn’t upgrade the defense during free agency, other than adding Dalvin Tomlinson to the defensive line’s depth. Despite the team losing Jesse Minter to Baltimore, the goal should remain the same with the Chargers, which is to win “in the trenches.” The Chargers have one of the most talented pass-rusher units, but it’s time for them to get a well-known name to take over, especially with Khalil Mack retiring soon.
Mack has been contemplating retirement for back-to-back offseasons. If anyone is a perfect replacement, it’s Kayvon Thibodeaux, and the Chargers have the cap to make a deal.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers signed Zaire Franklin in free agency, which spelled the end of Rashan Gary, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. With Micah Parsons returning after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, it might be beneficial for the Packers to get Thibodeaux. This would help alleviate the pressure off Edgerrin Cooper and Brenton Cox. It would allow Thibodeaux to get some starting reps to see if he can earn himself a payday.
The Packers have Parsons under a long-term deal, but if, for some reason, he can’t stay healthy, Kayvon Thibodeaux might be next in line to get a huge contract.
New England Patriots
The Patriots sneakily got better in the pass-rushing unit, signing Dre’Mont Jones in free agency and selecting second-round Illinois product Gabe Jacas. The arrival of Jacas could spell danger for Harold Landry, who signed with the Patriots just last offseason. If the Patriots want to take one big swing for a linebacker, they could do it.
Head Coach Mike Vrabel is never afraid of getting his defensive talent in order, which is why they got Milton Williams, too, last offseason. Thibodeaux joining Christian Elliss, Jones, and a promising product of Jacas might provide the Patriots’ defense something to look forward to.
