Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
One of the New Orleans Saints’ biggest needs this offseason may be addressed during the NFL Draft, but not in the way that many have expected.
Per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Saints are among teams that have been in communication with the New York Giants for a potential trade for defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. The former Oregon Duck was drafted No. 5 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and just finished the fourth year of his rookie deal. He will play 2026 on his fifth-year option, which was already exercised.
Thibodeaux entered the league as one of the premiere edge rushers of his draft class. His top-five draft status paid off in his second year when he put up a career-best 11.5 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss.
In 2025, he appeared in 10 games, compiling 2.5 sacks and 25 total tackles.
There have been trade rumors circulating the 26-year-old pass rusher throughout most of the offseason, and apparently the Saints aren’t new to conversation.
Per NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill, the teams spoke about a potential trade back in February. The re-engaging of conversations could mean progress is on the way.
The best-case scenario for New Orleans would be to trade away only a fourth-round pick in order to bring the defender to the Big Easy. This would free up their chances to use picks No. 42 and 73 in the second and third rounds on other needs.
This will be a big developing story to follow as the draft follows along.
Thibodeaux carries a $14.75 million cap hit in 2026 and is eligible for an extension ahead of playing on his fifth-year option.
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