The New York Giants will be one of the most interesting teams to watch during the 2025 NFL draft, as their selection could seriously shake things up in the first round.
The Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback, but if the Tennessee Titans take Cam Ward No. 1 and the Cleveland Browns take Travis Hunter at No. 2, the Giants will have to decide between Shedeur Sanders and Abdul Carter.
Sanders would, of course, address the Giants' need at quarterback, but some experts think that may be too high to draft him. Carter, on the other hand, is as close to a can't-miss prospect as there is in this year's class.
If the Giants do decide to take Carter, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon believes that could make 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux expendable. And, with that thought, Gagnon suggested the Cincinnati Bengals as a possible landing spot for Thibodeaux. Here's a look at the trade package Gagnon proposes, along with his thoughts on the potential trade.
- Giants receive: 2025 third-round pick or 2026 second-round pick
- Bengals receive: EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux
"The Bengals need a partner for Trey Hendrickson, who could also be entering his final year with the team. They also ranked in the bottom 10 with just 36 sacks last year," Gagnon wrote.
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The Bengals and star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson remain at a standstill when it comes to contract talks, which could lead to Cincinnati trading the four-time Pro Bowler and 2024 NFL sacks leader.
Even if the Bengals can finally get something done with Hendrickson, they still need more help along the edge. Outside of Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai, the Bengals don't have much at the position.
Thibodeaux hasn't lived up to his top-five draft billing thus far in his career, with the Oregon product tallying 21 sacks over three seasons, including 11.5 in 2023. However, he would still be an upgrade for Cincinnati's defense and could really explode if he has Hendrickson to take pressure off him.
Assuming his fifth-year option is picked up, Thibodeaux has two more years on his rookie contract, which was initially a four-year, $31.3 million deal. That means he won't be a rental and could help Cincinnati out for multiple years, which makes it easier to give up the draft pick Gagnon suggested.
In an ideal world, the Bengals keep Hendrickson and pair him with Thibodeaux to bolster their suspect defense. But Thibodeaux would be a solid short-term replacement for Hendrickson if he's ultimately dealt.