The Packers‘ plan for rushing the passer seems to be hoping that someone like Lukas Van Ness lives up to his potential and emerges as a secondary option opposite emerging star Rashan Gary.
While Gary has turned heads this spring in Green Bay, general manager Brian Gutekunst may need to keep at least one eye trained on the trade market over the next several months, to bolster a position that could prove to be vitally important to the Packers’ defense taking the next step this season.
Is Kayvon Thibodeaux an Ideal Trade Target for Packers?
Green Bay Packers Jayden Reed
Dec 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) is tackled after a reception by New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) and New York Giants linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants have three potentially elite pass rushers, in Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter, but face an uphill climb in the NFC East amid the most difficult strength of schedule in the NFL.
Even though the Giants previously picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option, triggering $14 million guaranteed in 2026, the former Oregon standout with 21 career sacks could be a compelling trade target if New York falls out of the race this season.
Over at Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Brad Gagnon suggests that the Packers could be a compelling fit to pull off a trade for Thibodeaux.
“We are looking at Green Bay, Washington, and Detroit,” Gagnon writes for B/R, listing Thibodeaux’s best fits as a potential trade deadline target, come November.
While there is still plenty of time before the NFL trade deadline arrives, Thibodeaux could be a compelling name to watch, for the Packers as a possible target if the pass rush doesn’t improve.
Dexter Lawrence Green Bay Packers
East Rutherford, NJ — October 22, 2023 — Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux of the Giants sack Sam Howell of the Commanders in the first half. The NY Giants host the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 22, 2023.
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