The Tampa Bay Buccaneers squeaked out a last-minute victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night, but it didn't come without a cost.
The Bucs lost two key players to season-ending injury. Offensive lineman Cody Mauch suffered a knee injury that will knock him out for the rest of the season, and defensive end Calijah Kancey suffered a torn pectoral muscle that will also prematurely end his season.
Tampa Bay can't afford to lose a step, though, and as playoff contenders, they need reinforcements, especially on the defensive line.
Bucs Trade Idea Acquires Kayvon Thibodeaux from the Giants
To replace the lost Kancey, the Bucs could look to the New York Giants' former Oregon star Kayvon Thibodeaux to fill the void left behind at pass rusher.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently updated his 2025 NFL Trade Block Big Board Entering Week 3, and listed Thibodeaux as a top trade candidate with Tampa Bay as a potential suitor.
"Kayvon Thibodeaux was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 draft and still possesses elite upside. The question is whether he has a future in New York with Brian Burns under contract through 2028 and rookie Abdul Carter on a rookie deal through at least that season," wrote Knox.
"Thibodeaux is already extension-eligible and is set to play on the fifth-year option in 2026."
Knox has the price of the former Oregon Duck listed as a 2026 second-round pick, which is a reasonable ask for a young, talented pass rusher under contract for two more seasons. For a contending team like the Bucs, they should be willing to make that deal so their defense doesn't miss a step.
Even when Kancey returns next season, Thibodeaux would be a fine long-term replacement for 30-year-old Haason Reddick, who is playing on a one-year deal. If Tampa Bay is interested in maximizing its championship window with Baker Mayfield, they will certainly do their due diligence on trades as the November deadline approaches.