John Harbaugh, Jim Harbaugh, New York Giants
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Head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with his brother, and NFL head coach, John Harbaugh after defeating the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship.
The New York Giants have a bit of a logjam on their hands when it comes to their pass rushers.
Brian Burns is a reigning All-Pro, having recorded 16.5 sacks in 2025. Abdul Carter, the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s draft, isn’t going anywhere and is likely a huge part of the team’s plans.
The odd man out may be 2022 first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux, who, despite having a strong start to his Giants career, has fizzled out due to injuries over the last two seasons.
The former Oregon Duck is due $14.8 million this year, thanks to his fifth-year option, and there’s already been plenty of trade speculation surrounding him this offseason.
Is there a deal out there that makes sense for the Giants, where they can capitalize on Thibodeaux’s value while also clearing cap space?
Giants Trade Proposal Ships Kayvon Thibodeaux to Chargers
In a trade idea proposed by Sportsnaut’s Matt Johnson, the New York Giants could ship Thibodeaux to the Los Angeles Chargers, with both Jim and John Harbaugh helping each other out in an interconference deal.
New York Giants receive: LB Denzel Perryman, 2026 fourth-round pick (123rd overall)
Los Angeles Chargers receive: Kayvon Thibodeaux
“For the New York Giants, this might be around the best possible return they could get for one season of Kayvon Thibodeaux,” wrote Johnson.
“Acquiring Denzel Perryman gives New York more depth at off-ball linebacker and the front office could find a role player with the additional fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move gets Thibodeaux a much-needed change of scenery, with the Harbaugh brothers helping one another out.”
As disappointed as some Giants fans may be about the lackluster return of a fourth-round pick and 33-year-old linebacker for their former first-round edge rusher, the fact of the matter is that’s the value Thibodeaux currently holds, especially on the final year of his contract.
The real benefit of making the trade is the cap space that it clears up. Over the Cap has the Giants with the 30th-least amount of money to spend in the league, with $5.38 million.
A Thibodeaux trade would bring that up to just over $20 million, giving the Giants the flexibility to go out and add a player at a position of need, such as guard or defensive back.
Would the Chargers Make the Trade?
As with any trade in the NFL, it takes two to tango. Would the Los Angeles Chargers make a move for the New York Giants pass rusher?
The answer is likely yes. After losing Odafe Oweh to the Washington Commanders in free agency, the Chargers are in desperate need of a presence opposite Khalil Mack.
Enter Thibodeaux, who could be the exact type of player they’re looking for.
“The Los Angeles Chargers didn’t re-sign Odafe Oweh because the asking price just got too high. What Oweh’s success playing opposite Khalil Mack showed is how great of a landing spot this can be for another edge rusher,” continued Johnson.
“Acquiring Maxx Crosby is off the table, but Los Angeles absolutely can pull off a trade for another former first-round pick at edge who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations.”
Thibodeaux may be able to find a new level of comfort in Jim Harbaugh’s defensive scheme, and if he plays well enough, could look to sign a long-term extension with the Chargers.