The New York Giants are the textbook definition of how not to value a player. They didn’t trade him at the 2024 deadline and now he’s walked in free agency and landed with their division rival Philadelphia Eagles. And to make matters worse, they tried to re-sign him this offseason, and he said no. Ugh. Frustrating and makes you question the front office.
Failing to Capitalize at the Trade Deadline
Last year’s trade deadline was the perfect time for the Giants to get something for Ojulari, who was clearly done in New York. According to reports, GM Joe Schoen had an offer on the table—a 5th round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But Schoen rejected the deal because star pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux was injured at the time, and the Giants were thin at the position.
This was the second year in a row Schoen made the same mistake—holding onto a player instead of trading them when their value was highest. It backfired big time, as Ojulari stayed healthy and finished the season strong and then left in free agency without the Giants getting anything more than a potential comp pick.
Re-Signing Attempt Fails
Losing Ojulari for nothing wasn’t bad enough; the Giants reportedly made a last ditch effort to bring him back this offseason. According to a league source told The Athletic, the Giants extended an offer to Ojulari. Unfortunately, the terms of that offer are unknown and irrelevant as Ojulari signed with the Eagles instead.
Ojulari’s decision makes sense from a career perspective. Joining the Super Bowl champs gives him a chance to be a pass rush specialist on one of the best defenses in the league. For the Giants, it’s just more salt in the wound. Watching him suit up for the Eagles, where he’ll likely find his pass rush form again, is a tough pill to swallow.
A Division Rival Gets Better
Ojulari signing with the Eagles hurts even more for Giants fans. Not only are the Eagles now better on defense, but they also have two other Giants alumni—running back Saquon Barkley and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson. This trio is a big talent drain from New York to Philly and widens the gap between these NFC East rivals. Ojulari gets to play with Jalen Hurts and Haason Reddick. The Giants signed Chauncey Golston.
What Went Wrong?
The Giants’ mistakes with Ojulari show:
- Misjudging Player Value: They waited too long to make a trade and missed out on getting something for Ojulari. Now they have nothing.
- Free Agency Miscalculations: Even if keeping Ojulari was possible, the Giants didn’t present an offer good enough to compete with the Eagles. Whether it was money, role or fit, something was missing.
- Division Fallout: Letting multiple high profile players go to a hated rival never sits well with fans—or helps your own playoff chances.
Where Do the Giants Go From Here?
With Ojulari gone, the Giants need to focus on edge rushing depth. Chauncey Golston has some experience but he’s no game changer. They may need to go after someone in free agency or lean on the draft to find help.
One thing is clear: they can’t afford to make another mistake like this with their roster. Fans are getting restless and more poor decisions will lead to bigger problems on and off the field.
A Lesson Learned Too Late
Losing Azeez Ojulari to the Eagles is more than just a roster move—it’s a symptom of the Giants’ overall player management issues. Not trading him, then not re-signing him shows a pattern of indecision and missed opportunities that has plagued the team for years.
As Ojulari puts on midnight green and gets to torment his former team twice a year, the Giants are left to wonder what could have been. For a team that needs to turn things around, this is a painful reminder to seize opportunities before they slip away.
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