Lions Could To Sign Giants Edge Rusher Azeez Ojulari, per Bleacher Report
The Detroit Lions are looking to boost their pass-rushing capabilities this season, with new defensive line additions already in place. However, if these signings don’t yield the desired results, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Lions could trade for New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari.
Knox identified the Lions as one of two potential teams that should pursue Ojulari. “The Detroit Lions, with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, should show interest if Ojulari becomes available,” Knox noted.
He emphasized the need for the Lions to add a strong edge presence opposite Aidan Hutchinson, something Detroit didn’t fully address in the offseason apart from adding Marcus Davenport.
Ojulari, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons. Despite these setbacks, his rookie year was promising, recording 8 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits. He was drafted 50th overall by the Giants in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
How Azeez Ojulari Could Fit with the Lions
The Lions’ pass rush underperformed last season, finishing tied for 23rd in sacks with only 41. Aidan Hutchinson, despite leading the NFL in pressures with 11.5 sacks, lacked a strong edge partner. Detroit’s defensive tackle Alim McNeill was the only other player with more than three sacks.
If healthy, Ojulari could relieve some of the pressure on Hutchinson and McNeill by adding another disruptive presence on the edge. In his first 23 games, Ojulari posted 13.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 20 quarterback hits, proving himself a capable playmaker. However, after injuries hampered his progress last season, he managed just 2.5 sacks in 11 games.
As he enters a crucial contract year, the 24-year-old edge rusher will need to return to his rookie form if he’s to attract a serious trade offer from a contender like the Lions.
Lions’ Pass Rushing Depth Entering Week 1
It’s unlikely the Lions will aggressively pursue Ojulari early in the season, as they’ll likely want to assess how their new defensive acquisitions perform. Detroit signed veterans Marcus Davenport and D.J. Reader to bolster the line, providing Hutchinson and McNeill additional support. Davenport, who had 9 sacks with the Saints in 2021, adds proven depth to the unit.
Additionally, head coach Dan Campbell has praised fourth-year lineman Levi Onwuzurike, highlighting him as a potential breakout player this year. “I think he’s very much going to be a part of this,” Campbell said on September 2. With Onwuzurike showing promise, the Lions may not feel the urgency to target Ojulari unless necessary.
However, trading for Ojulari still carries risk. The Lions would need to see him regain his rookie form before making a move. But if Ojulari can demonstrate his value, he might be a compelling addition to a team looking to make a deep playoff run.
