According to many sources, the Ravens may pursue 16-sack pass rusher Azeez Ojulari in a trade this season.
This season, the Baltimore Ravens may look to trade for Azeez Ojulari, a 16-sack pass rusher. Bleacher Report published an article laying out clubs’ shortcomings and needs, and they believe Baltimore might improve their defensive front with Ojulari. The former second-round pick has been a poor experiment for the Giants, but with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns, it makes sense for the organization to move on. Ojulari is already on an expiring contract, and if they don’t have any intentions for him, they should be able to move him to increase draft stock.
It appears that New York will have another dismal season, which should push them to move certain players rather than allow them to enter free agency. Even before Kyle Van Noy’s injury, Ojulari seemed certain to find a position in the Ravens’ undermanned defense. The Giants are likely to continue rebuilding, so it works both ways, and Baltimore is unlikely to have to give up much for Ojulari’s services. Baltimore’s defense is already young, and the 24-year-old could provide an advantage in chasing down quarterbacks.
However, don’t anticipate the Giants to get anything more than a conditional draft pick, but it will be profitable for the Ravens, who are already 0-2. As a rookie, Ojulari had eight sacks and 27 quarterback pressures, so there’s certainly something there. The new defensive coordinator did not draft Ojulari and has no idea where to slot him, thus this is likely to be his final season with the Giants. If he can stay healthy this year and contribute to the Giants despite limited playing time, his trading stock will improve more.
Ravens May Pursue 16-Sack Pass Rusher Azeez Ojulari in Trade
Rejuvenated Team Incoming?
The Ravens have gotten off to one of the worst starts that no one expected. However, they were two nail-biting losses, so it is not a major concern, but something to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Following the loss of Jadeveon Clowney, the club has relied on Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, but they have not performed very well. Ojulari could end up as the backup on defense, but rotating all three may be what Baltimore should aim for. The Ravens perform best when there are lots of pass rushers on the depth chart ready to take a few snaps.
Ojulari would need to stay healthy, but he doesn’t need to have a great 2024 season because any team will likely trade for him fast. He has the opportunity to play elsewhere and earn a bigger deal for a team in need of assistance.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
Following Derrick Brown’s injury, many people were concerned about what the Panthers would do for the rest of the season. He is not returning this season, but it is safe to suggest Carolina’s season may be gone, despite the fact that it is only Week 3. Brown is the defensive line’s heart and soul, but Ojulari might offer the Panthers’ defense a momentary boost. He isn’t Brown, but with Bryce Young on the bench, the offense is disintegrating, and they need anything to win games.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh relishes a physical scrap just as much as he enjoys watching an old-school running game. Although Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa have new contracts, their willingness to restructure their deals may not last long. Ojulari might play a part in Harbaugh’s system if Bosa or Mack are no longer available, and given his youth, he could be the team’s next long-term pass rusher.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas’ run defense struggled in their recent defeat to the Saints and will face a tough challenge against a determined Ravens team. Mike Zimmer hopes Eric Kendricks and the rest of the pass-rushing group can rebound, but they’re up against one of the league’s greatest offenses, and Baltimore is desperate for a win. While Ojulari may not significantly impact the Cowboys’ defense, he does provide emergency depth for superstars like Micah Parsons.
