The Detroit Lions had a bitterly disappointing finish to their 2024 campaign after they had their doors blown off by the Washington Commanders’ offense in the divisional round of the playoffs.
A big reason for the defensive struggles was the lack of a pass-rush, which allowed budding superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels to pick the defense apart. Part of the problem was not having Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a season-ending injury. Detroit lacked depth, also.
Entering the 2025 offseason, the Lions already had needs along the edge, but the decision to cut Za’Darius Smith has only made things more dire. With that in mind, Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron has proposed a blockbuster trade.
Lions-Giants blockbuster trade proposal
Cameron suggests that the Lions make a play for former New York Giants first-round pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux. Here’s what Cameron said about the proposal.
One potential name to target could be the guy who was selected three picks after Hutchinson in 2022, Kayvon Thibodeaux. The New York Giants edge rusher hasn’t made the impact many thought he would in New York, eclipsing a 70.0 single-season PFF pass-rush grade just once, but the right situation could set the record straight.
With a fifth-year option decision looming – a subsequent extension – New York has a decision to make on what path forward to take with Thibodeaux. Should the Giants decide to maximize their trade value for Thibs, now would be the time. Detroit has the structure in place to tap into the pass rusher’s potential, as well as the cap space to facilitate an extension, should the team decide to.
Thibodeaux enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, when he posted a career-best 11.5 sacks in 17 games. Thibodeaux struggled with injury in 2024 but still managed to finish with 5.5 sacks in 12 games.
Adding the 24-year-old would give the Lions the long-term starter they need across from Hutchinson, and it’s possible the promising young pass-rusher could reach new heights by having a feared edge rusher taking pressure off him.
Thibodeaux would likely no less than a Day 2 pick in a trade, but with a fifth-year option that will likely be picked up, the Lions would have the Oregon product under contract for two years, even without an extension.
The problem with this trade scenario is there’s no way the Giants trade Thibs before the start of the season. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are seats hotter than the sun and it’s highly unlikely they would kneecap their defense by trading one of its best players.
All that said, if Thibodeaux becomes available at any point, whether that be now or at the trade deadline, the Lions should absolutely be interested.
