The Indianapolis Colts need to find some help for edge rusher Laiatu Latu, and that can't simply come from the 2026 NFL draft. Instead, if one recent link turns true, Indy could welcome New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to the team.
Indianapolis is one of many teams that FanSided's Austen Bundy suggests could acquire Thibodeaux in a trade. New York has a good rotation of pass rushers, and while the Oregon product was a top-five pick in the 2022 draft, his production has decreased in each of the past two seasons. He hurt his shoulder in 2025, but his motor has been questioned at times, too.
Still, the talent is evident. Thibodeaux had 11.5 sacks in 2023 and 12 tackles for loss. Even though he has spent four seasons in the NFL, he is only 25 years old. As long as he can stay healthy and motivated, he should have many seasons left to play at a high level.
The Indianapolis Colts might be able to get Kayvon Thibodeaux for a mid-round draft pick
Bundy writes, "Despite having Laiatu Latu to lead the charge, the Indianapolis Colts finished 23rd in pressure rate last year. Finding a veteran partner for the 2024 first-round pick is essential this offseason, and Thibodeaux would offer a cost-effective option."
The "cost-effective" part is questionable. The young edge rusher isn't cheap, as any team that trades for him would need to pay him $14,751,000 in 2026, the final season of his current contract. The Giants picked up his fifth-year option for next season. Indianapolis has the space, but any cap room could disappear quickly if the team re-signs quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
The guess is that the price for Thibodeaux would be a third-round or fourth-round draft pick. That is certainly affordable, especially for a player with a huge upside. Plus, while the Giants' edge rusher has had mixed pass-rushing production, he has remained very good against the run. He isn't a one-trick player.
Coupling him with Latu in a pass-rush group that has to be rebuilt to some degree would be a better option than signing a cheaper free agent, bringing back someone like Kwity Paye (who clearly has a ceiling and isn't a transformative player), or hoping for the best from a second-round pick. The potential of Thibodeaux and Latu to be disruptive would be great.
Kayvon Thibodeaux also might be extra motivated to have a fantastic 2026. He will be a free agent next offseason, so if he plays at a high level, he will make himself a lot of money. If he does do well, let's hope that happens with the Indianapolis Colts.