The New York Giants didn't overcomplicate things and drafted Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While Carter was never even in the realm of imagination for the LA Chargers, his landing spot could have an impact on the Bolts.
The Carter selection suddenly makes a fellow first-round pick all the more accessible on the trade market. With Carter now on the Giants, it wouldn't be surprising if former Oregon Duck Kayvon Thibodeaux hits the trade market.
And if that is the case, the Chargers should be interested in bringing in the former first-round pick after losing Joey Bosa this offseason.
Chargers should pursue a Kayvon Thibodeaux draft after Giants take Abdul Carter
New York trading Thibodeaux was already a talking point before the team took Carter in the first round. It's not because Thibodeaux is a sunk cost, but because the Giants are desperate and should be looking for value wherever they can get it.
By drafting Carter, the Giants now have a surplus they can tap into. If that gets them another draft pick that they can use to get the team's next franchise quarterback then they should be interested in shopping the former top-10 pick.
Carter would likely warrant a third-round pick on the trade market, which is more than doable for the Chargers. Thibodeaux would have a bigger impact than any third-round edge rusher the Chargers could draft in 2025. And by taking him, it would open up the draft strategy for the first round.
Thibodeaux finished last season with six sacks and 38 total pressures, per Pro Football Focus. While those are not elite numbers, Thibodeaux's numbers are pointing in the right direction and should continue to improve.
The Chargers need to add another edge rusher after cutting Bosa this offseason. While the team was able to re-sign Khalil Mack, he signed just a one-year deal and his future is not guaranteed. Thibodeaux would add edge-rusher depth in 2025 and would give the team a long-term option to build around moving forward.
The Chargers are all about building around Justin Herbert and the team could look to trade for one of his former Oregon Ducks. It may not have a direct impact on Herbert on offense, but improving the pass rush will only increase the Chargers' Super Bowl chances.