The San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers could both use more firepower along the edge.
The 49ers are dealing with multiple injuries at the position. Not only is Nick Bosa out for the season with a torn ACL, but Bryce Huff is now dealing with a multi-week injury, also. The Niners have the third-fewest sacks in the NFL going into Week 8.
In Tampa Bay, the Bucs have sported a strong pass-rush through seven games, with the team totaling 20 sacks, the sixth-most in the league, but, Haason Reddick’s 1.5 sacks are the most among edge rushers on the team and he’s now dealing with an injury that at least leaves his Week 8 status in doubt.
Knowing their respective needs at the position, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named the Niners and Bucs as possible trade destinations for New York Giants EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Looking long-term, though, there’s no guarantee Thibodeaux has a future with the team. He’s under contract through 2026, but the Giants have also invested heavily in pass-rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. Thibodeaux, who has 2.5 sacks and eight QB hits this season, is a solid third piece. However, New York may not be interested in paying the going rate for a rotational edge.
The Giants aren’t “aggressively working the phones” for receiver help, according to Russini. Therefore, a high draft pick might be the only way to land the former fifth-round pick.
Potential Suitors: San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Thibodeaux has proven to be an impact edge rusher during his career. In 2023, the only season in which Thibodeaux has played in all 17 games, he tallied 11.5 sacks.
He posted another 5.5 in 12 games last season and has 2.5 sacks and 22 pressures in 2025.
Making him more attractive is the fact that he’s under contract through 2026, so he won’t be a rental, and he’s just 24 years old, so he could be a long-term solution.
The Giants aren’t well-stocked at many positions on what is a lackluster roster, but EDGE is one of them. The impressive duo of Brian Burns and Abdul Carter could make Thibodeaux expendable, although there’s reason to believe the Giants may want to hang on to the former No. 5 pick.
Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen have a vested interest in keeping their best players, as they need to finish this season strong in order to keep their jobs.
While trading away Thibodeaux would net Big Blue some much-needed draft capital, it would also hurt their chances of competing the rest of the season.
But if he’s made available, the 49ers and Buccaneers could definitely come calling.
The Niners’ reported interest in Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson shows they’re open to doing something big. Thibodeaux wouldn’t be as big of a move, but he would present a clear upgrade for San Francisco and combining Thibodeaux with Bosa in 2026 would be electric for San Fran’s defense.
The same applies to the Bucs when it comes to Thibodeaux being a big upgrade. A duo of Reddick and Thibodeaux would help Tampa Bay’s chances of competing for more than just the division and a playoff spot.
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