With the NFL trade deadline getting closer and closer, rumors surrounding New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari are beginning to ramp up. A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Ojulari is one of the few bright spots to emerge from the Dave Gettleman Era. After recording eight sacks as a rookie, his production dropped in 2022 and 2023 under head coach Brian Daboll. While he has yet to match his rookie form, he’s having a strong 2024 as a situational pass rusher, recording four sacks through seven games.
Ojulari’s increase in opportunities directly correlates with the Kayvon Thibodeaux injury. With the former first-round pick set to return in the coming weeks, it makes sense for the New York Giants to try and trade Azeez Ojulari before he reaches free agency. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that multiple teams are interested in the veteran, and it’s safe to assume the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs are the most likely destinations.
Giants Azeez Ojulari Reportedly Drawing Trade Interest
The Baltimore Ravens offense is nearly unstoppable with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry dominating opponents on the ground and through the air. However, winning a Super Bowl is about being the best team in January and February, not October. The Ravens have a strong roster, but a few flaws could sink this team in the postseason. The Ravens lost several key playmakers during free agency, including pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. While the internal replacements are doing their best, the Ravens should consider shoring up the pass rusher with an Azeez Ojulari trade.
Kyle Van Noy is fourth in the NFL with seven sacks on the season. This is incredible production from the 33-year-old, but he might not maintain his one-sack-per-game average as the season progresses. Azeez Ojulari might not be the most well-rounded player, but the trade target should be effective on passing downs. Seeing as Baltimore likes to rotate their edge defenders to keep everyone fresh, adding Ojulari to the mix will only increase their odds of playing strong football in the playoffs.
Other Fits
Of course, the Baltimore Ravens won’t be the only team looking to trade for Azeez Ojulari. The Detroit Lions are one of the league’s elite contenders, but they’ll have a tough time reaching their ceiling without star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. While the former second-overall pick reportedly could return for the Super Bowl, Detroit will need to make it that far in the first place. The Lions depth is perilously thin at pass rusher, and Ojulari could immediately become a three-down player for this club.
The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, aren’t nearly as good as their undefeated record suggests. While the defense is one of the better units in the league, they’ll need to do something to compensate for the injury to breakout cornerback Jaylen Watson. With no clear cornerback trade targets, the Chiefs could put less pressure on their secondary by adding Azeez Ojulari. The secondary won’t have to cover as long with Ojulari getting after the opposing quarterback, and the former second-round pick could add a much-needed force to a defense that has the fourth-fewest sacks in football. They already addressed the offense with the DeAndre Hopkins trade, so now it’s time to fix the defense.
Main Photo: Robert Deutch – USA Today Sports
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