The Chicago Bears definitely need to improve their pass rush this offseason, as they totaled just 35 sacks this past year. The good news for the Bears is that the edge rusher class this offseason is loaded with talent, and at every avenue.
Chicago can exploit a loaded free-agent market for a pass rusher. It can trade for one. It can select one in a deep NFL draft class.
Let’s focus on a potential trade for a second: what about New York Giants star Kayvon Thibodeaux?
ESPN has listed Thibodeaux among its top 15 trade candidates heading into the spring, tabbing him at a 70 percent chance to get dealt. What’s more, it listed the Bears as one of the top three possible landing spots for the 25-year-old.
But would it be worth the risk for Chicago?
Should the Chicago Bears trade for Kayvon Thibodeaux?
Thibodeaux registered just 25 tackles, 2.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits in 10 games this past season, so there is reason for trepidation when it comes to acquiring him.
“Thibodeaux’s motor can run hot and cold, which makes him a difficult player to trust on a down-to-down basis,” wrote ESPN’s Ben Solak. “But a contract year could light a fire under Thibodeaux, who generates quick pressures with hand usage and a killer first step.”
Not only is Thibodeaux a bit inconsistent, but he also has a fairly checkered injury history.
The former first-round pick missed 12 games between 2024 and 2025. A hand injury sidelined him for five contests in the former campaign, and this past season, Thibodeaux missed the final seven games as a result of a shoulder issue.
On the flip side, Thibodeaux racked up 50 tackles, 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles during his last healthy campaign in 2023, displaying just how good he can actually be.
The Bears currently have Montez Sweat and no other reliable players in their edge-rusher rotation. Austin Booker showed significant potential in 2025, but he has yet to prove he can produce over the course of a full season. Meanwhile, Dayo Odeyingbo is recovering from a torn Achilles.
Chicago might have to part with a third-round pick in order to pry Thibodeaux away from the Giants, which is scary considering the University of Oregon product has just one year left on his contract. But the potential reward of adding Thibodeaux may outweigh the risks.
Chicago Bears setting up trade for star player
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