The NFL trade deadline passed Tuesday without New York Giants do business.
There was speculation that they might part ways with some veterans as another season goes wrong for them. Impending free agents such as outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari and wide receiver Darius Slayton have been mentioned as two players who could be traded.
Ultimately, neither was dealt, which is great for Ojulari, who is having his first injury-free season in three years and has 6.0 sacks so far.
“It’s cool not having to move or anything,” Ojulari said Wednesday. via New York Post. “I’m happy to be here and ready to continue.”
After bursting onto the scene as a second-round pick out of Georgia in 2021, Ojulari was unable to stay healthy, leading the Giants to look for pass-catching options elsewhere.
In 2022, Big Blue selected Kayvon Thibodeaux with the 5th overall pick in the draft, then traded him for Pro Bowler Brian Burns this offseason.
Thibodeaux has been on injured reserve (IR) for a month with a broken wrist, leading Ojulari to his best season since setting the franchise rookie record for sacks (8.0) in 2021.
“I’m glad it’s behind me,” Ojulari said of the trade talks. “I’m now focused on this (next) match. I don’t need to focus on all the other things or learn a new defense.
“It’s a good relief for my back. The mentality remains the same: continue to play hard and physical.”
Several teams were interested in Ojulari in recent weeks. Arizona, Pittsburgh and Detroit were all looking for pass rush help, but found that help elsewhere. Rumors that surfaced said the Giants would let Ojulari take a late-round draft pick.
Ojulari will now focus on his current role and let the chips fall where they may fall in March when he officially becomes a free agent.
“All I can do is play my part,” Ojulari said. “Every time I’m on the field, I do everything I can to be efficient and make the most of the opportunity. We still have eight games left, that’s a lot of games to put out a good film and try to win .”
It appears Ojulari would like to stay, but the Giants may not have that luxury. Things just haven’t gone the right way in this relationship, which is a shame because Ojulari is clearly a talented player and you can never have enough of him.
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This article was originally published on Giants Wire: Azeez Ojulari relieved to stay with Giants
