NFL analyst suggests three-team trade where Giants don't improve
When the New York Giants traded for edge rusher Brian Burns, it strengthened the outside of their front seven with a premier pass rusher to play opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The addition of Burns also meant that 2021 second-round pick, Azeez Ojulari, would slide down on the depth chart.
Despite the Giants saying they do not plan on trading Ojulari shortly after the Burns acquisition, Ojulari has been named a player who could possibly be traded not once, but twice this offseason.
This week, ESPN listed a few preseason trade matches and had quite an interesting one that involved the Giants trading away Ojulari as part of a three-team deal.
Saints, Bears and Giants pull off three-way swap
Saints receive: OT Larry Borom
Bears receive: Edge Azeez Ojulari
Giants receive: Saints' 2025 fifth-round pick
The Bears, who are rightfully trying to win right away behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, would be converting Borom into another player who can help their starting lineup rather than taking on draft capital.
That player would be Ojulari, who was pushed into the role of third pass-rusher on the Giants after they traded for Brian Burns earlier this offseason. Ojulari has shown flashes as a pro, but his career has been marred by injury, as he has played 18 regular-season games over the past two seasons. He recorded eight sacks in his rookie campaign but only 7.5 combinedover the past two seasons. Ojulari's 14% pass rush win rate at edge is a little below the 16% average at the position, though he flashed a 21% PRWR at edge in an abbreviated 2022 campaign.
So at best, Ojulari still has some untapped upside. At worst -- assuming health -- he's still an instant upgrade for Chicago over DeMarcus Walker, whose 8% PRWR at edge ranked 48th out of 50 qualifiers at the position. Chicago was 25th overall in pass rush win rate last season at 36%.
The Giants don't need to move on from Ojulari but are already heavily invested in their pass rush between Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II. So it makes sense to turn a depth player into draft capital that can be used to help shore up the team's many other weaknesses in the future. Ojulari, like Borom, is entering the final year of his contract.
Ojulari has had a tough time staying on the field during his Giants career, which has hindered his progress. However, he's determined to bounce back from another injury-riddled season in 2023.
The newly acquired Burns also recently sang the praises of Ojulari.
Why the Giants, who are built on an organic pass rush under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, would trade Ojulari at this point is unclear. He's displayed solid pend throughout training camp and the rotational role should fit him well.
In this trade, the Giants actually weaken their front seven for little more than a late-round pick. Pass.
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This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: NFL analyst suggests three-team trade where Giants don't improve
