The 2026 NFL Draft is already off to a good start for the Kansas City Chiefs' defense. The additions of the draft class's best cornerback in LSU's Mansoor Delane, along with the top defensive tackle in Clemson's Peter Woods, have given new life to two positions that were looking thin at this stage in the offseason. However, some bigger questions remain on the same side of the ball.
While fans love the import of both prospects, there's also plenty of frustrations over the state of things at defensive end. The Chiefs lack a starting edge rusher opposite George Karlaftis, and while Ashton Gillotte, last season's third-round pick out of Louisville, is a nice piece, he's certainly not proven enough to be penciled in for Week 1 outside. Given the losses of Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna as well, the cupboards are looking barren on the depth chart.
The draft tension can be found in the fact that the Chiefs passed on taking Miami's Rueben Bain—or any other edge rusher, for that matter. It places tremendous pressure on any other rookies taken, but as it turns out, there might be another option. Because NFL reporter Jordan Schultz has word that the New York Giants are shopping Kayvon Thibodeaux.
How interested should the Chiefs be in Kayvon Thibodeaux to help solve their edge issues?
Thibodeaux came into the league as the fifth overall pick in 2022, a highly recruited pass rusher out of Oregon who the Giants were counting on to anchor their defense. While he delivered some production— 21 sacks, 127 tackles, and 26 tackles for loss over his first three seasons—the Giants continued to make significant investments as Thibodeaux struggled to stay healthy and/or dominate in the ways envisioned. Then in 2025, a shoulder injury cut his season short at 10 games, and he managed just 2.5 sacks.
Schultz says that the New Orleans Saints are in play as an interested party, The Chiefs could be as well, given the positional need. Right now, Thibodeaux has one year left on his deal, worth just under $15 million, so it's clear any new team would likely want to work out a long-term deal. But his recent health concerns could make him a bargain given the risk involved. Or it might motivate him in a contract year, which would be even better for a team like K.C.
Giants expert Matt Sidney told us that New York would be thrilled with a third-round pick in return for Thibodeaux, but a fourth-round selection might be enough to get something done. Perhaps it might even take an additional late-round conditional pick in 2027. But for the Chiefs, who lack a third-round choice after moving up in the first round to secure Delane, it might be the best option to shore up a frustrating position.
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