Kayvon Thibodeaux named as trade candidate to watch during NFL draft

Thursday night marks Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, which means 32 players will be welcomed into the professional football ranks. But it also represents a nervous night for many players already in the league, as the NFL draft is the most active time for trading both draft picks and current players.

Former Oregon Ducks and current New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux is among those that could be dealt, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.

Drafted No. 5 overall in 2022, Thibodeaux has battled injuries throughout his four-year career, playing in just 53 of 68 possible games. He flashed his talent during his second season, recording 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles but he's been unable to regain that form, playing in 22 games and collecting just eight sacks since then.

The edge rushing position has also become crowded in New York, as the Giants traded for Brian Burns prior to the 2024 campaign and selected Penn State's Abdul Carter at No. 3 overall in last year's draft. All three play the same two edge rushing positions and operated in a rotation last season.

An uncomfortable talking point for the Giants and Thibodeaux has been his second contract, as he's signed only through the 2026 season on his rookie deal. A number of other rookies from the 2022 class, namely top pick Travon Walker, who's totaled just four more career sacks than Thibodeaux, have already signed contract extensions. But talks with Thibodeaux have gone quiet, increasing belief that he may be traded away with Burns already on a five-year, $141 million deal and Carter expecting a payday himself within the next couple years.