It isn't a secret that the Chicago Bears have to completely retool their defense this offseason, and it starts up front with the defensive line.
General manager Ryan Poles has spoken about the Bears' need of addressing the defensive line, and after some chatter at the NFL Combine, we could see a completely different line in Chicago for 2026.
As we hear every year at the combine, plenty of rumors and whispers take flight. One of the most recent reports comes from Connor Hughes, a beat reporter covering both the New York Giants and Jets. Hughes made it known that the Giants are listening to trade offers on 2022 first-round pick, pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.
"Kayvon Thibodeaux, per sources, is a player the Giants are listening to offers on and the belief from teams here at the combine is that he will eventually get dealt."
The Bears now have a clear shot at acquiring the perfect lottery ticket for their defensive line.
The Chicago Bears' door to acquire Kayvon Thibodeaux is more open than ever
Last season, there were reports saying the Giants could wind up trading Thibodeaux before the deadline, although it never happened. Now, his name is back in trade circles, and it seems very likely New York moves him.
For the Bears, a move like this makes too much sense, especially considering the cost. Some mock trades even had Thibodeaux being moved for a Round 4 or Round 5 pick last year, which seems like an absolute steal.
The biggest part of any Thibodeaux trade would be the Bears having to pay him. He is entering the final year of his rookie deal (the fifth-year option, mind you), and he'd be motivated to play out of his mind in 2026.
So, it would put the Bears in an awkward position. Do they pay him right after the trade, just like they did with Montez Sweat? If they did, they'd be risking the possibility of Thibodeaux never truly panning out.
Then again, if they didn't pay him right away, Thibodeaux could go on to have the best year of his career and thus command a much higher number in his next contract. It's a double-edged sword, if you will.
Thibodeaux has struggled with injury concerns over the last two seasons, but in 2023, he put up a career-high 10.5 sacks in 17 games with the Giants. He still has plenty of football ahead of him at just 25 years old, so there is hope he can put the injuries in the rear view.
Chicago might have a few options this offseason at the position. But Thibodeaux could end up being the cheapest in terms of what they'd need to trade. Other options, like Maxx Crosby or signing Trey Hendrickson, would clearly be much more costly, financially speaking.
Read more: 3 free agents Bears could sign with money saved from a DJ Moore trade
All in all, going after Thibodeaux and giving him a fresh start, knowing he'd be healthy and motivated, is worth the risk. If Poles were able to land him for a fourth rounder, why wouldn't he?