Winner: Azeez Ojulari
Azeez Ojulari was in a similar situation to Darius Slayton, as he is another player on an expiring contract and could also be lost by the Giants without getting something for him. And just like Slayton, Ojulari was not dealt at the deadline and remained with the Giants.
"I'm happy to be here"
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) November 6, 2024
Azeez Ojulari talks about staying with the Giants after the trade deadline: pic.twitter.com/pjfAK92YXK
However, Ojulari is healthy and currently playing due to the wrist injury suffered by Kayvon Thibodeaux, which required surgery. When Thibodeaux will return to the field remains to be seen, and even if he does, how effective he’ll be is uncertain. With these question marks surrounding Thibodeaux, even when he comes back, Ojulari has a lot of opportunities ahead of him.
While with the Giants, Ojulari will continue to start and get significant playing time opposite Brian Burns, the player the Giants initially signed and traded for to replace Ojulari as a starter in 2024.
In Thibodeaux’s absence, Ojulari has stepped up, especially in the pass rush. Five of Ojulari’s six sacks have come while Thibodeaux has been out, propelling him to second in sacks on the team behind Dexter Lawrence.
With Ojulari set to become a free agent after 2024, every sack he adds should increase his contract value - if not from the Giants, then from another team in the league.