New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari was one of the standout performers in Week 5’s Sunday Night Football game, effectively contributing to limiting a strong Cincinnati Bengals offense to just 17 points.
In his fourth year, Ojulari has seen limited action due to the presence of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, with Thibodeaux injured, Ojulari took on a larger role and demonstrated his potential as a high-impact player.
The Giants, with their two star edge rushers, have not been able to give Ojulari the playing time he deserves. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons are in dire need of pass-rushing help, as they currently have the worst pass rush in the NFL.
The Falcons should actively pursue Ojulari, especially since the Giants might be willing to part with non-core players as they reevaluate their roster. Ojulari is in the final year of his rookie contract, making him an appealing target.
After a standout performance against the Bengals—where he recorded two sacks, two QB hits, two tackles for loss, and four tackles on just 35 dropbacks—Ojulari is an attractive option. His potential doesn’t come with a hefty price tag, and he seems poised for a breakout with consistent playing time.
In his first four seasons, Ojulari has accumulated 19 sacks, 93 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, and 31 quarterback hits, with much of that production occurring before the Giants drafted Thibodeaux.
However, the Falcons need to be cautious in their trade decisions, as they recently lost a draft pick due to tampering violations and traded a third-round pick for Matt Judon. Overcommitting in trades could have long-term ramifications for the franchise.
Still, the struggles with the pass rush could jeopardize the Falcons’ season ambitions. If no one steps up, making a trade before the deadline may be necessary.
