The NY Giants are in the midst of another forgettable season. After Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Washington Commanders, Big Blue is now 2-7 with a less than one percent chance of making the playoffs.
While they aren't mathematically out just yet, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out they're out of contention.
New York has some interesting trade pieces on its roster that playoff-bound teams could covet. One of those names is Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari and his six sacks this season. Pass rush needy teams should be hopping on the phones, calling Giants GM Joe Schoen right now.
There’s real interest in Ojulari, and for good reason. With Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns locked in as the Giants' starting pass rushers, Ojulari finds himself as the odd man out. Considering he’s set to become a free agent this offseason, a move before tomorrow’s trade deadline feels more likely than ever.
In a recent appearance on NFL GameDay, Mike Garafolo revealed the potential trade package starting point for Joe Schoen and the Giants. He said a late-round pick - like a sixth or a seventh - won't get it done.
The Insiders on @NFLGameDay with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: A focus on the trade deadline, with a look at the edge market – Za’Darius Smith and Azeez Ojulari – and what WRs could get dealt. pic.twitter.com/VLSKr37of6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2024
If a late Day 3 pick isn’t moving the needle, it’s reasonable to assume the bidding will start at a fifth-rounder. But couldn’t the Giants leverage other teams’ desperation to land something more - maybe two fifths, a fourth, or any combination better than just a single fifth-round pick?
Here are three teams the Giants could pit against each other to boost the asking price for their 24-year-old pass rusher.
3 teams that could spark a bidding war for Azeez Ojulari
Arizona Cardinals
The desert is buzzing. After a Week 9 win over the Bears, the Cardinals are on a three-game winning streak and solidly hold first place in the NFC West. They’re outplaying expectations, making Ojulari an intriguing target - not just for a playoff push this season but possibly for the long haul.
Arizona is in a great spot to make a playoff push, but they need a boost in their pass rush. Adding the young Giants edge rusher could be the move that solidifies this overachieving defense for a real postseason run.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are in serious need of pass-rushing help. Even after their Week 9 win over the Cowboys, Atlanta has managed just nine sacks all season - Ojulari has six by himself. No three players in Atlanta’s lineup combined have matched that production.
They tried to solve their pass-rushing issues by trading for Matthew Judon this offseason, but that move hasn’t paid off as expected. Now, they could be looking for a more reliable option. With Ojulari being a Georgia native, this could be an ideal fit for both sides.
Cincinnati Bengals
After a crushing 41-38 loss to the Ravens in Week 5, it felt like the Bengals’ season was done. Sitting at 1-4 with a struggling defense, things looked bleak. But fast-forward four weeks, and Cincinnati is now 4-5 and right back in the playoff race. Joe Burrow is playing as well as any quarterback in the league.
But the Bengals won’t reach the postseason with their defense as it stands. Enter Azeez Ojulari. While he won’t solve all of Cincinnati’s defensive issues, he could provide the spark they need for a strong second-half push.