The Buffalo Bills are stacked on the defensive line. They have Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa on the edge, with Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones anchoring the middle of their base 4-3 defense. While none of them ranks in the top 10 at their positions in PFF overall grades for 2024, the sum of their parts creates a formidable unit capable of wreaking havoc on opposing pass protection.
The Bills added veteran Larry Ogunjobi for depth, but there’s an intriguing young pass rusher who could elevate their defense even further if his current team finds he doesn’t fit their rotation or proves to be a luxury they can’t afford.
Which EDGE Could the Bills Add to Make Their Pass Rush Elite?
Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report speculates that New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux could be a potential trade target for the Bills, despite the team being $10 million over the cap.
While getting involved in a trade package for Dallas Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons probably isn’t realistic, Thibodeaux falls within their range.
The rationale centers on the Giants potentially having too much talent up front, with Brian Burns on one edge and rookie Abdul Carter on the other, creating a crowded rotation.
Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter = terrifying trio 😈pic.twitter.com/9VrWjP8rGm
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) July 20, 2025
Knox proposes that Buffalo could offer DT DaQuan Jones and a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for Thibodeaux.
“Partnering Thibodeaux with Joey Bosa, Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa would give the Bills a potent pass-rushing rotation, however. And Buffalo could look to offload pricey defensive tackle DaQuan Jones as part of the deal.”
This move would clear $7.8 million in cap space for the Bills while giving them greater roster flexibility heading into the 2025-26 season.
What Makes This Trade Scenario Realistic?
The proposal deserves serious consideration when you examine the circumstances. Pass rushers don’t grow on trees, and one of the many truisms in the NFL is that injuries are inevitable. Thibodeaux isn’t approaching the end of his career or even entering the “he’s still serviceable” phase. He’s entering his fourth season and has recorded 21 sacks in 43 games, including 11.5 sacks in 2023.
The Giants’ pass rush is considered their greatest strength. It’s a unit that no offensive line wants to face. They create problems at every point of attack and can generate confusion while overpowering blockers.
Every sack from the #Giants new 4-headed monster in 2024: Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Dexter Lawrence, and Abdul Carter 🔥 pic.twitter.com/roZkcdaIb8
— The Giants Report (@GiantsReport1) June 30, 2025
Dexter Lawrence can wreck you on the inside, while some combination of Burns, Thibodeaux, and Carter can have a productive meeting with opposing quarterbacks.
However, the Giants picked up Thibodeaux’s fifth-year option for 2026. If he’s traded, that $14.8 million would be wiped off their salary cap. For this scenario to unfold, the Giants would have to believe the cap savings are more valuable than retaining a pass rusher capable of elite production.
