Raiders Trade Tyree Wilson to Saints amid Kayvon Thibodeaux Rumors During NFL Draft

Tyree Wilson, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, has been traded by the Las Vegas Raiders to the New Orleans Saints.

The Raiders announced on Saturday they were sending Wilson and the 219th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft to New Orleans, which had been connected to New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, in exchange for pick 150.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Friday, prior to the start of Day 2 of the draft, that the Giants had engaged in trade talks involving Thibodeaux and the Saints were among the teams interested.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen denied the report, telling ESPN's Jordan Ranaan it's "not true."

Speculation about Thibodeaux's future in New York picked up on Thursday after the Giants took Arvell Reese with the No. 5 overall pick. Their defensive line is overflowing with talent now, including Reese, Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter and Brian Burns.

Even though it would seem to make sense for the Giants to at least test the waters of a Thibodeaux trade, there has been no indication they are looking at doing so.

The Saints making a move for Wilson would seem to suggest either Thibodeaux isn't available right now, or they don't want to pay whatever price the Giants might have attached to him.

Wilson is a low-risk, high-reward bet for New Orleans at this point. He was the No. 7 overall pick three years ago, but never really found his footing with the Raiders despite appearing in 50 out of 51 games over the past three seasons.

The Texas A&M alum recorded 24 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss and 12.0 sacks with the Raiders. He is joining a Saints defensive line that includes Bryan Bresee, Davon Godchaux, Nathan Shepard and Carl Granderson.

Cameron Jordan and Chase Young, who combined for 20.5 sacks with New Orleans last season, are both free agents. Jordan has said he would like to return to the Saints, but he's seeking what he considers a fair-market deal.

Wison, who turns 26 on May 20, could take advantage of this opportunity to play up to the expectations from his draft positioning in a new scheme with Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.

Even if it doesn't pan out, the Saints are only on the hook for the final year of Wilson's rookie contract with a $1.1 million base salary in 2026.