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Patriots named top landing spot for $31 million Giants starting edge rusher originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It’s safe to say the New England Patriots addressed a major weakness on June 1, as they traded for Philadelphia Eagles standout wide receiver A.J. Brown to help give them an experienced and accomplished go-to option on the outside.
Moving forward, the Patriots should turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball, as there’s a clear-cut reason why they continue to be linked to talented edge rushers who may need a change of scenery to get their careers back on track. According to Fox Sports’ Greg Auman’s opinion, a New York Giants starting edge rusher would be a good fit with the six Super Bowl champions.
“Kayvon Thibodeaux is only 25 and playing this year on his fifth-year option, making $14.8 million,” Auman wrote last Thursday. “But the New York Giants are loaded at edge rusher, with Brian Burns and second-year star Abdul Carter already getting the majority of the snaps last season.”
“Throw in rookie Arvell Reese into the mix as well, as he'll likely have some pass-rush usage, even if he's primarily a linebacker. Thibodeaux has missed 12 games over the last two seasons, totaling only eight sacks (including 2.5 last year), but a team needing help at edge would be hoping to get the player who had 11.5 sacks in 2023.”
“His salary is a lot for a rotational edge rusher, so unless they really want expensive protection against injury, a trade makes a lot of sense for the Giants. Potential Landing Spot: New England Patriots, where former Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen is now a defensive analyst.”
There were rumors that the Giants would trade Thibodeaux during the NFL Draft, but ultimately, the franchise elected to keep the former first-round pick in the fold. Thibodeaux has yet to build on his inspiring 2024-24 campaign with New York (50 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles).
The Oregon product has had poor luck with injuries lately. However, when healthy, his lack of versatility/limited pass-rushing moves have made him far too predictable the past two seasons (53 total tackles and eight sacks since his breakout sophomore campaign).
Still, the 25-year-old’s upside is higher than most, and if the Patriots believe they could maximize his potential in New England, they could consider pursuing him before the offseason concludes.
More NFL:
Bills-Vikings massive trade pitch sees Buffalo break bank to acquire generational $140 million WR
Bears named landing spot for $123 million 115-sack Steelers star LB
- Eagles named top landing spot for former Cowboys $21 million starter
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