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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears avoids a tackle by Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants during the third quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have officially entered the early stages of offseason trade buzz, and this time the conversation involves the New York Giants.
Bears insider Ben Devine sparked trade discussion Tuesday morning when he shared an intriguing note on X:
“A team for #DaBears to watch on the trade market – the New York Giants. It appears that they are listening to offers for DE Kayvon Thibodeaux and DT Dexter Lawrence.”
Ben Devine
A team for #DaBears to watch on the trade market – the New York Giants. It appears that they are listening to offers for DE Kavon Thibodeaux and DT Dexter Lawrence.
The post quickly connected Chicago to two key pieces of the Giants’ defense and raised a clear question.
If New York is actually listening to offers, should the Bears make a call?
The idea is still speculative, but it highlights two major areas of need for Chicago’s defense heading into 2026.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Could Fill Key Pass Rush Need for Bears
Kayvon Thibodeaux’s name carries intrigue because of both pedigree and flashes of production.
The former top five pick out of Oregon broke out in 2023 with 11.5 sacks and looked like a top edge rusher in the NFL.
However, over the last two seasons, injuries slowed him down.
In 2025, he was limited to 2.5 sacks in 10 games while dealing with a shoulder issue.
He is set to earn $14.8 million in 2026 if the Giants exercise his fifth year option, which some reports suggest they intend to do.
Still, Devine’s tweet indicates New York may at least be gauging the market.
For the Bears, it would come down to strengthening the pass rush both now and long term.
Montez Sweat is still the focal point off the edge, but Chicago has struggled to generate steady pressure opposite him. That has been a recurring theme over the past year.
The Bears have already been linked to bigger names, including trade buzz around Maxx Crosby.
Some outlets have even listed Chicago among the top betting favorites if he were to become available.
That alone shows the front office understands that edge rusher remains a priority.
Thibodeaux would offer a younger option with upside.
At 25, the former first round pick still has room to grow, and if the price is closer to a Day 2 selection instead of multiple premium picks like it would be for Crosby, the conversation becomes more realistic.
Other teams such as the Ravens and Bengals have been mentioned as potential suitors, so any deal would likely require significant competition.
Why Dexter Lawrence Would Transform the Bears’ Interior Defense
While Thibodeaux represents upside, Dexter Lawrence represents proven dominance.
The 6 foot 4, 340 pound defensive tackle has been one of the league’s best interior defenders since 2022.
A three time Pro Bowler and two time second team All Pro, Lawrence has consistently graded among the top defensive tackles in pass rush win rate while also anchoring the run defense.
Lawrence remains under contract, but a trade would create roughly $13 million in cap relief for the Giants.
That financial element is part of why his name has surfaced in offseason speculation.
Chicago’s struggles up front were very clear in 2025.
The Bears finished 29th in yards per carry allowed, a clear indicator that the interior defensive line failed to consistently control the line of scrimmage.
Lawrence would immediately change the structure of the unit and create cleaner opportunities for edge rushers like Sweat.
At this stage, Devine’s report signals monitoring rather than imminent action.
But if the Giants are truly listening, the Bears may have an opportunity to address a significant defensive need with one bold move.