Giants Make Kayvon Thibodeaux Trade Decision Amid NFL Draft

The New York Giants are under new leadership with former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh now leading the team.

With the 2026 NFL Draft underway on Thursday evening, the Giants made the first pick of the Harbaugh era, bolstering a defense that was known for squandering leads this past season. At pick No. 5, the Giants selected Ohio State EDGE, Arvell Reese, who was named a consensus All-American this past season.

Reese exploded in 2025, recording career-highs in total tackles with 69, and sacks with 6.5. He also turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.46 40-yard dash. While the pick won't be heavily criticized by those who are fans of Reese, it was a tad head-scratching considering the Giants have pass rushers, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Following the selection, questions surfaced if the team would trade away Thibodeaux, but ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that it won't be happening.

"Despite drafting Arvell Reese, the Giants do not intend to trade DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, per source," wrote Schefter.

Thibodeaux was the fifth overall pick in 2022, but has frequently battled injuries, playing in just 22 games over the past two seasons. He has also seen a decline in production, combining for just eight sacks in the last two years after posting 11.5 in 2023.

The Giants' front has seen a shakeup as of late, as they traded All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence earlier in the week. However, it never hurts to have more players who can get to the quarterbacks.

Related: Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Chiefs' NFL Draft Pick

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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 7:07 PM.