Kayvon Thibodeaux, Saints Trade Rumor Heats Up During Day 2 Of NFL Draft

Nothing is set in stone right now, but the New York Giants could move on from pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.

The Giants had a busy Thursday night, selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa with the No. 10 pick. Both players should be immediate starters for John Harbaugh's squad.

"It's two picks that strengthen us down the middle. Down the middle of our offense, down the middle of our defense," Harbaugh said. "These are two -- these are great players, these are two top-five players in this draft, in our opinion. You couldn't do any better. I think Joe probably ran about a zillion mocks -- no, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. A zillion seems like a high number, but maybe it was a couple million."

Giants fans are under the assumption that Reese will ultimately push Thibodeaux off the roster. And yet, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Giants don't intend to trade the former Oregon star.

Of course, that hasn't stopped rumors from swirling this Friday.

A popular social media user by the name of "Rickey Scoops" said the New Orleans Saints have interest in trading for Thibodeaux.

"The Giants and Saints have had serious talks about a trade involving Kayvon Thibodeaux," Rickey Scoops wrote. "The situation will need to be monitored."

Although there were rumors about the Saints potentially taking Miami pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round, they opted for Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson.

Kayvon Thibodeaux fits a need for the Saints.

The Saints have a true game-changer at defensive end in Chase Young, make no mistake about it. However, he needs a running mate for the upcoming season.

Since entering the NFL in 2022, Thibodeaux has racked up 152 tackles, 55 QB hits, 23.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. Though he's been underwhelming at times, he'd give the Saints some much-needed help at pass rusher.

We'll see if New York and New Orleans can work out a deal.

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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 2:06 PM.