The Green Bay Packers will face the Detroit Lions on November 3 for control of first place in the NFC North, and while the Packers’ defense has been solid, there are whispers that they could make a move to bolster their pass rush.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano recently reported that New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is generating trade interest, and FanSided’s Ryan Heckman has suggested that the Packers could be a prime destination for the fourth-year pro.
Heckman wrote, “One particular option for the Packers, if they wanted to address their pass rush, would be to pursue Azeez Ojulari of the New York Giants.”
Ojulari, in the final year of his contract, has amassed 22 career sacks and six so far this season, despite playing just 55% of defensive snaps. The Packers, with 21 sacks as a team, have not had an individual player record more than three. Ojulari’s strong performance this year, coupled with the Giants’ significant investments in pass rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, has led to speculation that New York may not be inclined to extend Ojulari beyond this season.
Heckman noted, “Ojulari has shown plenty of juice in recent games, likely motivated by trade rumors and the fact that he’s in the final year of his deal. He’s playing hard to earn a second contract, potentially with a new team.”
Should the Packers acquire Ojulari, he could not only help strengthen their pass rush for the remainder of the season but also be a long-term piece, especially if they sign him to an extension. While Rashan Gary was extended last year, his performance this season has not yet lived up to expectations. Additionally, Preston Smith, at 32, is showing signs of decline. Ojulari could be a strategic addition to both the Packers’ immediate and future plans.