The New York Giants may become sellers at the upcoming trade deadline following their disappointing 2-5 start to the season. With their playoff hopes fading, the Giants could focus on rebuilding for the future by trading some of their key assets in exchange for future draft picks. One player drawing significant interest from multiple teams is edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, who has emerged as a potential trade candidate.
Azeez Ojulari is reportedly drawing trade interest as the New York Giants may look to offload assets at this year’s trade deadline. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that Ojulari is one of the players generating attention in trade talks.
“With star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux expected to return from injured reserve in Week 10, Ojulari is likely to be a target for teams seeking edge help,” Rapoport reported.
While it remains unclear which teams are specifically interested in Ojulari or what the Giants might receive in return, the fact that he has a reported market suggests the team is considering offers for the fourth-year edge rusher.
The Giants could reasonably consider trading Azeez Ojulari before the deadline, especially since he’s in the final year of his contract. With the team already committing $28.2 million per year to Brian Burns through 2028, they may not prioritize extending Ojulari in free agency. Trading him could allow them to secure additional assets for the future, potentially adding a valuable draft pick in 2025.
However, moving Ojulari would leave the Giants’ pass rush in a precarious position. Kayvon Thibodeaux is currently sidelined with a wrist injury, and while Burns is playing, he’s dealing with a groin issue that could worsen. The recent release of backup Boogie Basham Jr. further depletes the depth at edge rusher.
Once Thibodeaux returns, the impact of losing Ojulari could be mitigated, but there remains uncertainty about Burns’ health. If the Giants receive an offer they can’t refuse, the chance to bolster their future with extra draft capital may outweigh the risks of weakening their pass rush for the remainder of the season.