The New York Giants surprised the world when they made Ohio State’s linebacker Arvell Reese the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Reese is a linebacker first, many projected him to primarily become a pass-rusher at the next level. Thus, many assumed that the Giants would try to trade Kayvon Thibodeaux, the team’s third pass-rusher.

Yet, that may not be the case. However, it doesn’t mean Giants general manager Joe Schoen didn’t try during draft weekend.

According to The Athletic‘s Dan Duggan, the Giants did indeed field trade calls about Thibodeaux over draft weekend. But they were reportedly asking for a second-round pick in exchange for the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

“The Saints were the team most interested in trading for Thibodeaux, however, according to a league source. The problem was the sides weren’t close on potential compensation. The Saints’ best offer is believed to have been a fourth-round pick (No. 132), while the Giants were seeking a second-round pick — the Saints had the 42nd selection. The Saints moved on, instead sending a fifth-round pick to the Raiders for defensive end Tyree Wilson and a seventh-round pick.”

The Athletic on Giants’ Kayvon Thibodeaux trade talks

Thibodeaux is headed into the final year of his rookie contract. Chances are, he’ll seek a bigger opportunity to play once he hits the open market next offseason. Perhaps the Giants revisit trade talks before the 2026 season’s trade deadline passes, but for now, they seem to prefer the possibility of getting a compensatory pick if/when Thibodeaux departs as a free agent.

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