Giants Face Offseason Crossroads With Thibodeaux Trade Rumors And Linderbaum Pursuit

As the dust settles on another NFL regular season, the New York Giants once again find themselves at the center of swirling offseason speculation. With the Super Bowl just days away and the Giants already in full offseason mode, the franchise is bracing for a pivotal few months that could reshape its roster and set the tone for the 2026 campaign. Two storylines have dominated early February: the persistent trade rumors surrounding linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux and the tantalizing prospect of reuniting new head coach John Harbaugh with one of his former Baltimore Ravens standouts, center Tyler Linderbaum.

Giants fans have grown all too familiar with the annual chatter about Thibodeaux’s future in blue. The 25-year-old, who was the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has become a perennial fixture on trade rumor lists, his name floated as a potential solution for nearly every pass-rush-needy team in the league. This year, the speculation heated up even before the confetti falls on the 2025 season, with Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine identifying both the Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders as teams that could pursue Thibodeaux in the coming months.

Ballentine’s analysis for the Bears is rooted in the hope that a change of scenery could help Thibodeaux recapture the form that saw him rack up 11.5 sacks in 2023. "If taking on Crosby's massive contract would be an issue then a player like Kayvon Thibodeaux would also be a good target. Brian Burns and Abdul Carter are the clear 1-2 punch in New York. The former fifth-overall pick could potentially use a change of scenery to get back to the 11.5-sack form he showed in 2023," Ballentine wrote. For the Raiders, the logic is more about necessity, as Maxx Crosby has been the subject of his own trade speculation: "They [Raiders] could also look to add a young pass-rusher to either pair with Maxx Crosby or replace him. Crosby has been the center of trade speculation since the end of the season. Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a shrewd target."

The Giants, for their part, have not exactly been eager to part ways with Thibodeaux in the past. General manager Joe Schoen reportedly fielded calls about the young linebacker at last season’s trade deadline, but teams balked at the high price tag. The situation is complicated by Thibodeaux’s recent injury history—he missed seven games in 2025 and finished the year on injured reserve with a shoulder injury suffered after the deadline passed. That’s made it tough to gauge his trade value. On paper, his draft pedigree, size, and age suggest high upside, but his production over four seasons has been inconsistent, leaving the Giants with a tricky decision: extend him, trade him, or risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires in 2027.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the Giants already boast a formidable pass-rushing duo in Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. With those two entrenched as the team’s top edge threats, Thibodeaux’s role has become less clear, fueling the sense that New York could be willing to entertain offers—if the price is right. Yet, as the offseason begins, it’s unclear whether the Giants will ultimately pull the trigger or hold onto their once-prized prospect in hopes that he can finally deliver on his promise.

While the Thibodeaux saga simmers, another storyline has Giants fans buzzing with anticipation: the possibility of landing Tyler Linderbaum, the Baltimore Ravens’ star center and one of the most coveted free agents set to hit the market. The connection is obvious. After hiring John Harbaugh as their new head coach, the Giants are widely expected to pursue several of his former players, and Linderbaum sits atop that list. According to Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay, "It wouldn't be a shock to see Linderbaum reunite with John Harbaugh after the former Ravens head coach landed in the Big Apple this offseason. Big Blue needs to overhaul an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks and struggled to protect rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart. Adding Linderbaum on a long-term deal would solidify the unit and give the franchise an anchor to build around in the offensive trenches for years to come."

Linderbaum’s credentials are impressive. The 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year and a three-time Pro Bowler, he finished 13th in pass blocking grade among centers with at least 500 offensive snaps this season, giving up only two sacks over the past three years. Despite tying a career-high with 26 total pressures in 2025, he remained injury-free and was lauded for his consistency and durability. For a Giants team that surrendered 48 sacks and struggled to keep rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart upright, Linderbaum would represent a massive upgrade at the center position.

The need for reinforcements up front is clear. Incumbent center John Michael Schmitz, a former second-round pick, has struggled to live up to expectations. Over three seasons, Schmitz has played 2,526 offensive snaps but has allowed 12 sacks, 8 hits, 52 hurries, and 72 total pressures, with a 97.2 pass blocking efficiency and 13 penalties. Injuries have also taken their toll, with Schmitz’s 2025 campaign cut short after 13 games. In his absence, veteran Austin Schlottmann stepped in and performed admirably, allowing just three pressures in 363 snaps and finishing as the team’s second-highest graded offensive lineman. But with Schlottmann turning 31 before the 2026 season, he’s unlikely to be a long-term solution.

Landing Linderbaum would not only give the Giants a proven anchor at center but also provide a mentor for Schmitz as he faces a critical year in his development. It would solidify a third spot on the offensive line, joining Andrew Thomas and, potentially, a re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. For Jaxson Dart, entering his second season with heightened expectations, improved protection could make all the difference as the Giants look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign.

Of course, there are obstacles. The Giants’ salary cap situation is far from ideal, and while they’re reportedly eager to be aggressive in free agency, they may have to be selective in their pursuits. Still, the prospect of reuniting Harbaugh with one of his most trusted players could provide an edge in negotiations. As the legal tampering window approaches in March, all eyes will be on East Rutherford to see if the Giants can pull off a marquee signing that would reshape their offensive identity.

For now, the Giants’ offseason is defined by questions—about Thibodeaux’s future, about the offensive line, and about how bold the front office will be under new leadership. With speculation swirling and key decisions looming, it’s shaping up to be a fascinating few months for Big Blue. Whether it’s a blockbuster trade, a high-profile free agent signing, or a combination of both, the Giants’ moves this spring will go a long way toward determining their trajectory in 2026 and beyond.

As the countdown to free agency begins, Giants fans are left to wonder: will this be the offseason that finally delivers on the promise of a new era, or just another chapter in the team’s long-running quest for stability and success?