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The New York Giants have been making significant moves in NFL free agency, even as they wait for quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide his future. General Manager Joe Schoen has been proactive in strengthening the roster, focusing heavily on improving both the offensive and defensive lines.
One of the early signings was former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Chauncey Golston, who joined the team on a three-year deal. This move bolsters the Giants’ pass rush, positioning Golston as the third option behind star defenders Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, it also signals the likely departure of free agent Azeez Ojulari, a move that many anticipated heading into the offseason.
Ojulari’s next destination might be across the country. In the latest free agency predictions, Cory Woodruff of For The Win speculates that Ojulari could land with the San Francisco 49ers, a team in need of defensive line reinforcements. Woodruff notes that San Francisco has a track record of turning players like Ojulari into high-impact contributors before they secure lucrative deals elsewhere.
Financially, Ojulari’s market value varies. Spotrac estimates he could command a two-year, $15 million contract, while Pro Football Focus projects a shorter one-year, $5 million deal. His biggest challenge has been staying healthy—after an impressive rookie campaign, injuries have plagued him, causing him to miss 22 games over the past three seasons. Even when available, lingering issues have sometimes affected his performance.
That said, Ojulari’s pass-rushing efficiency remains solid. According to Next Gen Stats, he recorded a 12.2% pressure rate on 188 pass-rush attempts, placing him just below Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby (12.3%) and slightly ahead of Chicago Bears’ new signee Dayo Odeyingbo (12.1%), who recently secured a $48 million contract.
While it’s uncertain where Ojulari will end up, one thing is clear—his time in New York is likely over. Now, all eyes are on where he’ll land next and whether he can stay healthy enough to showcase his true potential.