The New York Giants have had another young player choose to "turn heel" and dawn green rather than red and blue. It's a notable free agency subtraction that New York hoped wouldn't occur.
Azeez Ojulari chooses Eagles over Giants
According to Jeremy Fowler, the Philadelphia Eagles are signing former Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari. It's a one-year contract for the young edge rusher. He's a former second-round pick.
With New York, Ojulari totaled 22 sacks and 37 QB hits in 46 games. He dealt with some injuries but played through plenty of ailments. Ojulari played in 16+ games just once during his tenure with NY.
The Giants did not lose out on the pass rusher due to a lack of trying. They wanted to bring him back, but ultimately, he exited New York to head to Philly. Of course, Saquon Barkley headlined last offseason for doing the same sort of swap in the division.
The Eagles heavily recruited Ojulari, who goes to a place known for maximizing defensive linemen. Giants tried to bring him back. But he's an Eagle. -- Jeremy Fowler
That being said, this price is incredibly affordable for Ojulari. It is for just one season, so the edge rusher can hit the market for potential long-term deal next offseason. Ojulari was projected as a top value in free agency for his position.
Ojulari is a tough player to figure out. He's had respectable sack totals in each of his first four years in the NFL, averaging eight sacks per 17 games played. However, he's played only one full season and the high sack total isn't backed up by more detailed pass rushing metrics, including pressure rate. Six sacks in 2024 tied him for 56th in the NFL, but his pass rush win rate ranked 96th, per PFF.
For a short-term deal, Ojulari could be one of the best values in the league. He'll be 25 years old when the season starts, so the upside is real. -- A to Z Sports
Ojulari is yet another former Georgia Bulldog added to the Eagles defense. He joins six other notable defenders on Philly's roster, just over the course of the past handful of draft classes.
- Jalen Carter
- Jordan Davis
- Nolan Smith
- Nakobe Dean
- Kelee Ringo
- Lewis Cine
For New York, their pass rush still needs some improvement. They could target that need early in the 2025 NFL Draft, but adding a veteran FA option would also make plenty of sense for Brian Daboll's team.
