The Detroit Lions didn’t manage to trade for NFL stars Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby, but they still have another potential move on the table.
The Lions have been busy making significant offseason changes, and that’s crucial since the team’s roster will look quite different in 2025. With key coaches and players departing, Dan Campbell and his staff have no time to be complacent. Instead, they’ve remained proactive with signings, contract extensions, and long-term planning.
Now, one major move for the Lions is beginning to take shape. While not guaranteed, the team may soon secure its next rising star.
Detroit wasn’t able to land Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby to strengthen its defense, which was a tough blow, as both were regarded as the top defensive talents potentially available via trade. However, all hope isn’t lost.
On March 20, Pro Football Focus analyst Mason Cameron suggested that the Lions could still acquire a premier pass rusher—New York Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux. Instead of drafting a new player for the role, they might opt for someone ready to contribute immediately.
“With a looming fifth-year option decision and possible contract extension, New York has to determine the best course of action with Thibodeaux,” Cameron explained. “If the Giants decide to capitalize on Thibodeaux’s trade value, now is the time. Detroit has the defensive setup to unlock his potential, along with the cap space to extend him if they choose.”
New York must decide on Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option by May 1. If exercised, a trade becomes unlikely, ending speculation. However, the Giants are in a state of uncertainty, prioritizing their quarterback situation and seeking a franchise signal-caller. Given those priorities, they might consider dealing Thibodeaux if the offer is enticing enough.
In another March 20 feature for Pro Football Focus, analyst Bradley Locker named Thibodeaux as New York’s most valuable trade piece and suggested he should be moved in 2025.
“The Giants’ roster situation is unusual because they either have core young players who won’t be traded or veterans who wouldn’t draw much interest,” Locker noted. “Thibodeaux is one of the few exceptions.”
Locker added that although “reports suggest the Giants will pick up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option,” it remains a possibility that “general manager Joe Schoen could trade him instead, bypass the option, and draft a replacement—perhaps Penn State’s Abdul Carter with the third overall pick.”
Thibodeaux delivered a solid 2024 campaign. While his sack total was only 5.5, he recorded 42 pressures—just six shy of his career-best mark, per Next Gen Stats. He was on pace for 59 total pressures but missed five games due to wrist surgery.