49ers linked to trade for Giants' first-round defensive lineman

Matt Sullivan

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49ers linked to trade for Giants' first-round defensive lineman image

The San Francisco 49ers' goal this offseason is to improve their pass-rushing group. While Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are a great duo on the defensive line, both got hurt this season, and the team severely lacked a quality pass rusher.

Williams isn't as good a pass rusher as Bosa or some of the free-agent or draft options coming up for the 49ers. But, instead of going after one of those options, the 49ers could turn to a trade.

ESPN's Ben Solak linked the 49ers to one defensive lineman, a first-rounder of the New York Giants, as one potential trade candidate for the 49ers this offseason.

49ers linked to Giants 1st-round DL for offseason trade

"The 49ers will go for a defensive overhaul," Solak writes. "... They could swing for a big trade, too. Kayvon Thibodeaux, anyone?"

Kayvon Thibodeaux is a 25-year-old defensive lineman who was drafted by the Giants in the first-round of the 2022 NFL Draft at fifth overall.

The pass rusher played in 10 games for the Giants this past season, recording two passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and 25 total tackles.

His best season came in 2023, when he had 11.5 sacks and 50 tackles with 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and four passes defended.

More: 49ers' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason

Thibodeaux is heading into the final year of his rookie deal, thanks to the fifth-year option, and could be a very realistic trade option for the 49ers.

While the offseason move for Bryce Huff from the Philadelphia Eagles didn't pan out, the 49ers could try again with Thibodeaux and a different NFC East team in the Giants.

It might not be cheap, but adding someone of Thibodeaux's potential to this defensive line, especially alongside a pass-rusher like Bosa, the Giants' defensive lineman could be in store for a strong year in San Francisco.

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Editorial Team