The Los Angeles Chargers could be a team looking to become stronger in the pass-rush department before the 2025 NFL season starts, as many analysts believe the team still needs more after losing Joey Bosa this offseason.
If Aaron Schatz of ESPN’s prediction comes true, the team could be in line to make a huge trade for one of the league’s top young pass-rushers. Schatz recently wrote that the New York Giants, who already have Brian Burns and added Abdul Carter in the first round this year, should explore trading former first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux.
If that were to take place, Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports sees the Chargers as one of the best spots for him to land.
“Head Coach Jim Harbaugh wants an old-school physical defense, but after just signing Da’Shawn Hand to improve the trenches in some type of way, it doesn’t seem to be the case. They must find a reliable replacement since they moved on from veteran Joey Bosa this offseason. It wasn’t the only loss, as Poona Ford and Morgan Fox were two crucial departures for this defense. Thibodeaux has the versatility to improve the pass-rushing unit opposite Khalil Mack”, wrote Palacios.
Thibodeaux was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has 21 sacks in his first three seasons. He dealt with a wrist injury last season that cost him a few games, but he has been available for the most part. There is a good chance he hasn’t yet reached his full potential as a professional player, as he is still only 24 years old.
Taking those factors into consideration, the Giants would likely be looking for a healthy return in exchange for Thibodeaux. Because they have the combination of Carter and Burns, they could afford to move Thibodeaux, but that doesn’t mean they’ll give him away for pennies on the dollar.
The Chargers will be moving Tuli Tuipolotu into the starting lineup in the spot Bosa used to be in. Fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard, last year’s SEC Defensive Player of the Year, could also end up being a huge draft steal for the team.
However, if Thibodeaux is on the trade block, the Chargers should be in discussions to see what it would take to pry him away from New York.
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