One area the Chicago Bears could target throughout the 2025 NFL Draft is pass rush. While the team has Montez Sweat and recent signee Dayo Odeyingbo, the Bears know they need a bit more firepower across their defensive line to compete with the NFL’s elites.
There should be more than one talented defensive end available when the Bears pick at No. 10. But if running back Ashton Jeanty is also on the board, that will make adding a defender much more difficult. Still, Chicago has other ways they can address their defensive line.
While Abdul Carter likely won’t make it to No. 10, he has been largely connected to the New York Giants with their No. 3 overall pick. If the Giants do select Carter, then fellow defensive lineman Kayvon Thibodeaux could find himself on the trade block, via Jeff Howe of The Athletic. One NFL executive predicted Thibodeaux could be had for a third-round pick.
“The Giants have to determine soon whether they’ll exercise his fifth-year option,” Howe wrote. “One executive estimated the Giants could move Thibodeaux for a third-round pick if he’s not in their long-term plans.”
What Kayvon Thibodeaux offers Chicago Bears
New York must first decide what to do about Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option. Regardless, any trade would require some form of contract restructuring by the Bears. If they can make it work salary cap wise, Thibodeaux would make for a strong running mate next to Sweat.
The 2024 season was a bit of a down year for the 24-year-old. He made 28 tackles, 17 quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks. However, if he was on the Bears, Thibodeaux would’ve led the team in QB hits and tied Sweat for the team lead in sacks. Furthermore, his 72 pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 35/211 edge rushers.
Thibodeaux was even better in 2023 however, racking up a career-high 11.5 sacks to go alongside 50 tackles and 16 quarterback hits, also career-highs. The Bears haven’t had a double digit sack getter since Robert Quinn in 2021.
If the Giants were to add Carter, then Thibodeaux would be the odd man out. However, with the Bears, the edge rusher can get a fresh start and get back to wreaking havoc in opposing team’s backfields.
Bears pass rush
The Bears finished their 2024 campaign with 40 sacks, nine off from the Houston Texans, who ranked third in the league with 49. However, Sweat led the team with just 5.5 sacks. Chicago needs a stronger pass rush to fend off the growing opposition in the NFL North.
Still, Sweat offers plenty of potential. He registered 35.5 sacks over his five years with the Washington Commanders. Furthermore, the pass rusher had 12.5 in his split season between the Commanders and Bears in 2023. He was ultimately awarded a Pro Bowl nomination for his efforts.
The key for Chicago will be the pieces around him. If the Bears are showing pressure from all angles, the offensive line cannot solely focus on Sweat. In theory, he should have an easier path to the quarterback. And that’s where Odeyingbo comes in. He registered 16.5 sacks and 46 quarterback hits over his four years with the Indianapolis Colts. Opposing offensive lines must be prepares for a versatile threat now. The Bears at least on paper have much more firepower on their defensive front.
Thibodeaux could add to that pressure, if the Bears are comfortable trading a third-round pick. Maybe the Giants don’t draft Carter and this is all a moot point. But if Thibodeaux is truly available, it wouldn’t hurt Chicago to give New York a call.
Browns, Giants updated trade plans give Chicago Bears new draft opportunity
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