The Jacksonville Jaguars just had their BYE Week. The expectation is that, after the break, they will clean up penalties and have better execution. Similarly, several players need to step up if the Jags want to have a shot at making a playoff push in the NFL. It would also help if the front offices addressed one or two immediate needs at the trade deadline.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Jacksonville was looking for reinforcements on defense. She didn't specify what position, but if general manager James Gladstone is looking to bolster the pass rush, the perfect option may just be available.
Kayvon Thibodeaux could reportedly be on the trade block
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux could be available via trade, arguing that observers across the league have wondered whether he's part of the New York Giants' long-term plans.
Thibodeaux was the fifth-overall pick in 2022. He had 11.5 sacks as a sophomore but only eight the past two years combined. For the season, he's registered 2.5 sacks in eight starts. All things considered, those are solid numbers, and the Jaguars would surely love to have that kind of production from their pass-rush rotation.
Currently, the Jaguars have logged just eight sacks this season. Some of that it's due to their inability to create pressure on the interior defensive line. On the other hand, Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have been neutralized by opposing teams. Compounding the issue is that the latter is currently wearing a cast after suffering a wrist injury.
To make matters worse, rotational pieces Dawuane Smoot and Emmanuel Ogbah have been unable to pick up the slack. That's why bringing in a pass rusher of Thibodeaux's caliber would give the Jacksonville front four an immediate boost.
The Jaguars may face a hurdle if they want to trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux
For the sake of clarity, not long after Jordan Schultz's report, Mike Garafolo of NFL Media broke the news on social media that Kayvon Thibodeaux isn't available, pointing out that several clubs have reached out to the Giants to inquire about his availability and have been told no.
Then again, it wouldn't hurt the Jaguars to give New York a call and see what it would take to get a deal done. After all, there's a chance the Giants haven't simply haven't gotten an offer to their liking, but they may cave if someone makes an intriguing proposal.
The Jaguars have 13 picks in the 2026 draft, including nine on Day 3, so they most definitely have the ammo to pursue Kayvon Thibodeaux. It's possible that a third and a fifth could get a deal done.
The biggest hurdle, of course, will be whether the Giants are open to trading Thibodeaux, but there's no doubt that he would address an immediate need for the Jaguars.