As the Baltimore Ravens look to rebound from a rough 0-2 start to the 2024 NFL season, the team may be in need of a bold move to shore up their pass rush.
Bleacher Report recently suggested that the Ravens should consider trading for New York Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari, a young and dynamic player with significant upside.
Baltimore’s pass rush, a key factor in their defensive identity, has been under strain. The group was already facing depth concerns at the start of the season, but recent injuries have further exposed the need for reinforcements.
Veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy suffered a fractured orbital bone, weakening the team’s edge-rushing rotation. Meanwhile, promising rookie Adisa Isaac appeared on the injury report this week, adding more uncertainty to the Ravens’ pass-rushing capabilities.
This is where Azeez Ojulari enters the conversation. Ojulari, now in the final year of his rookie contract, is playing for a New York Giants team that is in the midst of a rebuilding phase.
With the Giants potentially looking to stockpile assets and recalibrate their roster, trading Ojulari might be a logical move for them—especially if they don’t envision signing him to a long-term deal.
For the Ravens, Ojulari represents an intriguing opportunity.
A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Ojulari has flashed the ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks with his speed and agility. He tallied eight sacks in his rookie season and, when healthy, has shown the potential to be a consistent edge threat.
Adding a young, high-upside pass-rusher like Ojulari could bolster the Ravens’ defensive front, providing them with a much-needed injection of talent as they look to make a playoff run.
Given Baltimore’s recent injuries and thin depth at the position, a trade for Ojulari could be the type of aggressive move the Ravens need to make. With Ojulari playing in a contract year, he would have the added motivation to prove himself worthy of a long-term deal, making him an even more attractive option for Baltimore’s pass rush rotation.
While the cost of acquiring a player like Ojulari remains unclear, the Ravens’ front office has never been shy about making bold moves when they believe a player can significantly impact their chances of success.
Trading for Ojulari could not only address an immediate need but also provide the Ravens with a long-term solution at the pass-rusher position, helping them maintain their status as one of the NFL’s top defensive units.
As the trade deadline approaches, this is certainly a situation worth monitoring. If the Ravens decide to heed the advice of Bleacher Report and pursue Ojulari, it could be a move that pays dividends both now and in the future.
