The New York Giants watched Saquon Barkley get poached by the Eagles last offseason. This year, Philly came back for more. After landing their star prize in 2024, the Eagles spent 2025 scooping up every former Giant who didn’t get re-signed. That included linebacker Azeez Ojulari and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson — two players New York had no real interest in bringing back.
Big Blue Nation wasn't bitter about the exodus. They were more confused about Philly’s desperation. Sure, Barkley was a star. But Ojulari hadn’t stayed healthy in years, and Jackson was fine. Still, the Eagles gave both players a fresh start and hoped a change of scenery would help salvage their careers. Two preseason games later, it’s safe to say that the experiment is already on life support.
CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr just named both Ojulari and Jackson among his 14 NFL veterans in danger of being cut. So while the Eagles hoped they were landing under-the-radar steals, it’s starting to look like they just inherited New York’s former headaches.
Giants castoffs already in danger of getting cut by the Eagles
Let’s start with Azeez Ojulari, because this is quickly turning into a worst-case scenario:
“While Ojulari is currently the No. 4 edge rusher on the depth chart, he’s expected to be part of the edge rusher rotation in Philadelphia. It’s unlikely he gets cut, unless the Eagles trade for an edge rusher prior to the season. That could make Ojulari expendable.” — Jeff Kerr, CBS Sports.
Not exactly glowing praise. And it matches what the eye test has shown so far. Ojulari just isn’t making the splash he was supposed to. He came to Philly with six sacks in limited snaps last season and the reputation of being a high-upside pass-rusher if he could just stay healthy.
Instead, he’s already been passed by Josh Uche, a Patriots castoff with five sacks total over the last two years.
Whether it’s the injuries catching up or defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme exposing some flaws, the 25-year-old looks like a depth piece fighting to stay relevant, not a potential breakout signing.
The Eagles needed someone to replace some of the pass-rush production they lost this offseason. So far, they’ve gotten a quiet camp, a single preseason sack, and an uphill climb to even make the roster.
Jackson’s situation isn’t much better. He’s outplayed a couple corners, but the coaching staff clearly sees something they like more in recently acquired Jakorian Bennett, who’s already getting first-team reps. And worse yet (as Kerr points out):
“Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio appears not to be a fan of Jackson, making his chances to win the starting job even harder.”
At 29 years old and on a $1.5 million deal, Jackson was supposed to be a value add... a stabilizer in a young secondary. Instead, he might be the odd man out already. Several other guys are looking better and offer more upside.
There’s really no incentive to keep a vet around if he’s just on the team, taking up a roster spot.
The writing might not be on the wall yet, but Giants fans have been there, done that. They didn’t just let these guys walk by accident. Now, two games into the preseason, the Eagles are starting to see exactly what Giants fans already knew. Betting on old names doesn’t guarantee new results... especially when those names were already teetering on borrowed time.