Matt LaFleur Kayvon Thibodeaux
Getty
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton argued head coach Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers should inquire about former No. 5 overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The Green Bay Packers made a massive trade last summer to land edge rusher Micah Parsons. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton isn’t predicting another blockbuster like that trade. But Moton argued the Packers should inquire about a former big-name in the edge rushing market — Kayvon Thibodeaux.
On a list where he named one trade for 10 NFL contenders, Moton urged the Packers to consider Thibodeaux to fill their biggest remaining roster weakness.
“The Packers traded starting outside linebacker Rashan Gary to the Cowboys and lost Kingsley Enagbare to the New York Jets in free agency. They need reinforcements on the edge,” wrote Moton.
“Assuming Parsons makes a full recovery, Green Bay doesn’t need to take a big swing at a pass-rusher. However, Lukas Van Ness is in the final term of his rookie deal, and he’s registered just 8.5 sacks through three seasons. The Packers’ secondary could struggle if the defensive front fails to generate pocket pressure.
“Green Bay can make a move for Kayvon Thibodeaux with the intention of pairing him with Parsons for the long term.”
Thibodeaux’s best NFL season came three years ago in 2023, which was his second campaign in the league. The edge rusher posted 11.5 sacks with 12 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits.
Last season, Thibodeaux registered 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits in 10 games.
The New York Giants selected Thibodeaux at No. 5 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Why Packers Could Inquire About Kayvon Thibodeaux
Green Bay trading for Thibodeaux isn’t the perfect move. As evident by last season, the edge rusher has a low floor. That’s not ideal for a contender.
But Moton sees the edge rusher having a greater chance of reaching his potential in Green Bay than continuing in New York.
“[A Thibodeaux trade] a risky move given the four-year pro’s inconsistent production, but he could benefit from lining up across an elite pass-rusher,” Moton added. “Also, new Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon can maximize Thibodeaux’s strengths in a mixed front.”
While Thibodeaux came to New York as a top five prospect, he was a raw talent. Perhaps more developing after a change of scenery is just what the edge rusher needs to resurrect his career.
“Enticing edge defender whose game is fueled by traits and power over skill and instincts at this juncture of his career,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote of Thibodeaux during his draft process. “Thibodeaux is hardly a finished product, but has pro-ready attributes that should help him acclimate quickly.
“However, he needs to add some go-to moves and more skilled hands to his bag if he is to affect the quarterback more frequently and reach his lofty potential as a standout, two-way edge defender.”
What a Thibodeaux Trade Could Cost Packers
Of the 10 trade targets Moton proposed Tuesday, not all of them are readily available.
Thibodeaux is expected to be on the trade block. However, a different obstacle potentially exists for him landing in Green Bay.
Moton proposed a Day 2 pick potentially being the trade price for Thibodeaux. It’s worth wondering if the Packers would be willing to pay that for essentially a reclamation project, especially when they already don’t have a first-rounder.
The Packers don’t have a first-round pick this year or next spring. They have two selections on Day 2 in 2026.
Green Bay would really have to believe Thibodeaux is a long-term solution to send a second or third-rounder to New York for him.