2:20pm: At this point, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network notes an Ojulari trade is unlikely. The team is remaining steadfast in terms of its asking price, one which the remaining edge rush suitors are currently unwilling to meet.
11:59am: More specifically, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds the Giants are seeking either a late fourth-rounder or an early fifth. This would require some projecting on the Giants’ end, as we are obviously halfway through the season and months away from the draft order being set. But the Giants hold one of the top trade chips remaining. It will be interesting to see if a team meets the asking price.
8:31am: Two of the main edge rush dominoes have now fallen as the trade deadline approaches. Baron Browning was dealt from the Broncos to the Cardinals yesterday, with the long-anticipated Za’Darius Smith trade being worked out between the Browns and Lions this morning. 
The Browning swap saw Denver receive only a sixth-round pick based on his status as a pending free agent. That price could be key as it pertains to the Giants and Azeez Ojulari. He, too, is approaching the conclusion of his rookie contract and the lack of extension talks with New York makes him a prime candidate to be dealt today. To little surprise, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports calls continue to come in on Ojulari.
Fowler adds, notably, that the Giants appear to value the 24-year-old higher than the return Browning generated. Recent reports indicated New York set a high asking price for both Ojulari and fellow rental Darius Slayton, who also wants to remain a Giant despite the fact he does not have a new contract in sight. Over the weekend, a prediction emerged that a fifth-round pick would likely constitute the best-case scenario for New York in the event Ojulari were to be traded. In the wake of Browning being dealt for a single Day 3 selection, it will be interesting to see if the Giants are willing to authorize a deal for a similar fee.
The Cardinals were among the teams showing interest in Ojulari, but with Browning in the fold they can be removed from the list of potential suitors. The Lions have also addressed a major need by acquiring Smith, but teams like the Falcons may still be in the running. The same could very well also be true of the Bengals, a team which just agreed to a deal for running back Khalil Herbert but is known to also be on the lookout for defensive help.
The Giants added Brian Burns via trade this offseason, inking him to the league’s third-most lucrative deal in terms of AAV ($28.2MM). 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux will be eligible for a big-ticket deal of his own as early as this spring, so committing to a second Ojulari contract could be challenging from a roster-building perspective. The Georgia product posted eight sacks as a rookie but missed notable time with injuries each of the following two seasons. In 2024, he has been available for all nine of the team’s contests, posting six sacks and 10 pressures. Given that production, offers should be expected to continue coming in as the day progresses.
Atlanta might as well add to the pass rush. Still a need and they have a very clear path to the playoffs.
Of course Schoen set a high price for both Ojulari and Slayton. After all he’s a master at reading the market value of players to other teams. Just look back at his 4yr/$160 million to Daniel Jones because as he said, he would be a hot commodity on the open market. Saying on Hard Knocks, that Barkleys market value was around $10 million per year, and no one would pay more than that (he got more), Xavier McKinney would come back to them with a team friendly deal, he didn’t. Bidding against himself with Brian Burns extension. Shall, I go on?
So with this team going nowhere for the foreseeable future how about getting some draft picks and using them for what you truly need, a QB and more talent depth. But alas, it won’t happen.
The potential draft picks he supposedly asked for are cannon fodder and special teams demons…..the Giants need isn line help, not cannon fodder on special teams…..
Should Joe Schoen flub making deals for Slayton and Ojulari today, he deserves to be fired on the spot. His failed drafts and total both of the Barkley contract were bad enough, but not returning two fifth round picks for the NYG trade chips should seal his fate.
**total botch.
Watch the Giants sail through the deadline without trading anyone away. Then they’ll win a few meaningless games the rest of the year, finish with six wins and the #10 overall pick, miss out on any QBs in the draft, and draft a left tackle who will bust out in a year. Lather rinse repeat for the last decade.
They will probably beat the Panthers and maybe the Saints, finish 4-13 at best imo. I think they got a top 5 pick all but guaranteed at this point.
And with the 5th pick in the 2025 draft the Giants pick – the lead cheerleader from the Florida Gators
I’d take her lol
Hey news man….there isn’t a college QB out there right now worth handing the franchise over to….they’re all MUTS…..better that they draft the best player available and continue to build a roster……wait for Manning in 26….
“there isn’t a college QB out there right now worth handing the franchise over to”
There’s always at least one in every draft. Also the college football season is only half over. Someone will emerge.
“better that they draft the best player available and continue to build a roster”
They’ve been doing this for a DECADE. What is your plan at QB for 2025?