The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines on March 17, 2025, by signing edge rusher Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal valued at $4 million. This move marks another addition to the Eagles' roster as they reinforce key positions following losses to free agency.
Ojulari, 24, joins the Eagles after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the New York Giants. Notably, he was drafted as the second-round pick out of the University of Georgia during the 2021 NFL Draft. During his initial season, Ojulari showcased his potential by registering eight sacks, leading many to speculatively connect his talent to the Eagles’ current defensive strategy.
Throughout his career, Ojulari has demonstrated flashes of brilliance. Last season alone, he played 11 games for the Giants, recording six sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and seven tackles for loss. Fans of the Giants, already anxious after seeing Saquon Barkley leave for Philadelphia, may now be particularly apprehensive about Ojulari’s move to their rivals. The Eagles' recent success has created additional pressure on the young pass rusher, as he now becomes part of the defending Super Bowl champions’ lineup, which includes figures like Joshua Uche, who also joined through free agency.
The impact of Ojulari's performance with the Eagles could be significant. With his experience and mixed injury history, including struggles with ankle, quad, and calf injuries, the team is hoping he can capitalize on his opportunities to become the standout player he has shown he can be. The talent is evident; his career totals include 22 sacks across 46 games and memorable performances against teams like the Eagles themselves, where he has historically excelled, scoring five sacks over six games against them.
Ojulari’s recruiting to the Eagles adds to the growing number of former Georgia Bulldogs on the roster, which has become increasingly common with players like Jalen Carter, Nakobe Dean, and Jordan Davis. The synergy between these players, who all share collegiate roots, might translate to enhanced performance on the field.
Even with high hopes for Ojulari, some analysts caution about the investment, dubbing it a low-risk signing with the potential for high reward. This assessment suggests the Eagles are banking on Ojulari showing them he can lead the defensive line, making him more than just a supplementary player.
The Eagles had to fill the void left by Josh Sweat, who departed for the Arizona Cardinals on a lucrative $76 million deal. By bringing Ojulari aboard, Philadelphia is adding depth to their edge-rushing group. His signing follows the recent acquisition of Uche, signaling the team's strategic focus on building a formidable defensive front as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Faced with competition from returning players like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, Ojulari is expected to slot directly as part of the rotation, bringing his unique skill set to the defensive strategy established by the Eagles' coaching staff.
Fans and analysts alike will be intrigued to see if Ojulari can recapture the dominating form he exhibited at Georgia and during his rookie NFL season. For now, he remains optimistic about the opportunity to prove his worth with the Eagles, determined to put the injuries and uncertainty behind him.
Overall, Ojulari's signing resonates not just with Philadelphia fans but with Giants supporters feeling the loss of another talented player. Its impact is felt acutely within the heart of the NFC East, where rivalry intensifies with every transaction.
