The Green Bay Packers are shaping up to be one of the NFL’s top contenders in 2025. But like every other team, their roster isn’t without flaws.
One area of concern entering the season is the pass rush. The Packers lack a dominant edge presence, and they’re still not completely sold on former first-round pick Lucas Van Ness.
“Van Ness felt destined for the Green Bay Packers even before he landed in Lambeau, coming out of Iowa with a background in hockey, but he’s been more of an intriguing Midwestern story than a difference-making pass rusher so far,” CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin wrote. “Nicknamed ‘Hercules’ in college, he’s yet to make his first official NFL start, managing seven total sacks since 2023 as part of the club’s edge rotation. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated this summer Van Ness could also be deployed as an interior defender to help spark his impact.”
Benjamin ultimately labeled Van Ness a potential bust for 2025 — which makes last year’s sack leader, Rashan Gary, the only reliable option when it comes to applying pressure.
That’s why FanSided’s John Buhler believes the Packers should swing a deal for New York Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
“While it may take roughly two top-100 picks and some change to make this deal work, it serves Green Bay to at least try,” Buhler wrote. “Thibodeaux was a menace at Oregon in college and already has a double-digit sack season under his belt with New York. Of course, that came two years ago when he played all 17 games in 2023. Thibodeaux has missed seven games so far in his career but has averaged 8.3 sacks annually.”
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Those two picks would be worth around $21 million in total, but Buhler says that still may not be enough to acquire Thibodeaux.
“For a guy who has not played for a winning franchise and is still quite productive, Green Bay may have to pay a premium for an emerging star edge rusher who is not even 25 years old yet,” Buhler added. “Thibodeaux is probably just now entering his prime physically. What is important to know is the Giants are one of two teams in the NFC I feel very strongly will have no chance at making the playoffs this postseason.”
Buhler also pointed out that the Packers already missed a golden opportunity to trade for Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, who just signed a three-year, $123 million extension with Pittsburgh.
Thibodeaux remains under contract with the Giants through the 2025 season, playing out the final year of his rookie deal this fall. His four-year, $31.3 million contract carries an average annual value of $7.8 million. With the Giants having picked up his fifth-year option, he’s set to earn $14.75 million in 2026.
