At one point this offseason, it looked like Joshua Ezeudu might not even make it to final cuts. Between roster crunch, a pending contract extension, and years of underwhelming play, the third-year New York Giants lineman felt like a classic “thanks for the memories” kind of roster cut.
NFL Trade Rumors’ Logan Ulrich even named Ezeudu a trade candidate this week, writing: "Ezeudu is another lineman who didn't live up to hopes in New York, though the team deserves some blame for trying to force him as a tackle when his natural position is guard. Now the Giants are deep at both tackle and guard, and Ezeudu might be on the outside looking in."
That was fair… until it wasn’t. Because all Ezeudu has done since camp opened is turn heads. And after a quietly excellent showing against the Bills in the preseason opener, the idea that he’s on borrowed time doesn’t hit the same way it did just a few weeks ago.
Joshua Ezeudu suddenly looks like a player the Giants might not want to part with
The 25-year-old lineman posted an 88.5 pass-block grade against Buffalo (per Pro Football Focus), allowed just one pressure, and looked shockingly comfortable on tape, a far cry from the relatively inept blocker we’ve seen in years past. Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart had this to say about the entire offensive line after the game:
“If you look back at the last game, I don’t know how many pass attempts we had, but we didn’t have one sack. I sent a message to them after the game that I’ve never played in a pocket like this.”
Ezeudu was a big reason why. His technique looked better, his confidence looked real, and he looked like someone playing for a roster spot and a future in the NFL.
The G-Men have loaded up on offensive line depth, which means the path to the 53 was always going to be steep for Ezeudu. But after a strong camp and an even stronger showing in Buffalo, he might’ve forced the coaching staff to rethink everything.
So, it's tough to objectively say he will or won't be a trade candidate. It likely depends on the return, but don't for a second think it'll be Joe Schoen initiating talks. Still, don’t rule out the Giants simply keeping him around, because for the first time in his three years in the league, he actually looks like a guy worth keeping... maybe even starting.