The Baltimore Ravens may pursue 16-sack pass rusher, Azeez Ojulari in a trade this season. Bleacher Report published an article laying out weaknesses and needs for teams so they believe Baltimore could bolster their defensive front with Ojulari. The former second-rounder has been a disappointing experiment for the Giants but now they have Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns so it makes sense for the team to move on. Ojulari is already on an expiring contract and if they have no plans for him, they should be able to trade him to build up draft stock.
It looks like New York will have another disappointing season, so that should motivate them to trade some players rather than let them hit free agency. Ojulari could probably carve out a role in a shallow Ravens defense even before the Kyle Van Noy injury. The Giants will likely continue to rebuild, so it works both ways, and Baltimore most likely doesn’t have to give up too much for Ojulari’s services. Baltimore is already young on defense and the 24-year-old could probably provide an upside to chase after the quarterbacks.
However, don’t expect the Giants to receive any better than a conditional draft pick but it will make it worthwhile for the Ravens who are already 0-2. As a rookie, Ojulari recorded eight sacks and 27 quarterback pressures so there’s clearly something there. The new defensive coordinator didn’t draft Ojulari and has no clue where to place him so this will likely be his last season with the Giants. If he can stay healthy this year and remain a factor for the Giants on limited snaps then his trading stock will continue to rise.
Ravens May Pursue 16-Sack Pass Rusher Azeez Ojulari in Trade
Rejuvenated Team Incoming?
The Ravens are off to one of the worst starts that no one was expecting. However, they were two nail-biting losses so it’s not a huge worry but one to watch as the season progresses. After losing Jadeveon Clowney, the team has been dependent on Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo but they haven’t been doing anything special. Ojulari could probably find himself as the backup on the defense but rotating all three may be what Baltimore should aim for. The Ravens are best when they have plenty of pass rushers on the depth chart ready to take a couple of snaps.
Ojulari would need to stay healthy but he doesn’t need to have an impressive 2024 campaign as any roster would probably trade for him quickly. He’s in the position to play elsewhere and get a better deal for a team that needs help.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
After Derrick Brown‘s injury, many were panicking about what the Panthers were going to do for the rest of the year. He isn’t returning this season but it’s safe to say Carolina’s season may be over even though it’s just about to be week three. Brown is the heart and soul of the defensive line but someone like Ojulari could give the Panthers’ defense some temporary life. He isn’t Brown but since the offense is crumbling after Bryce Young is now on the bench, they need something to get this team some wins.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh loves a physical dogfight game as much as he enjoys seeing an old-school-style running game. Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are around on new contracts but their generosity in restructuring their deal won’t last long. Ojulari could carve a role in Harbaugh’s system if Bosa or Mack isn’t around anymore and since he’s still young, he could probably be their next long-term pass rusher.
Dallas Cowboys
The run defense was atrocious for Dallas in their brutal loss against the Saints last week and things aren’t getting easier going against a hungry Ravens team. Mike Zimmer is hoping Eric Kendricks and the rest of the pass-rushing group rebound but they’re going up against one of the best offenses in the league and Baltimore is thirsty to find a win. Ojulari probably won’t drastically change the Cowboys’ defense but it gives emergency depth for superstars like Micah Parsons.
