There is under a week to go until the 2024 NFL trade deadline, and the Detroit Lions are still sifting through their options as it relates to beefing up their defense for the stretch run.
Depending on the day, a trade for an edge rusher has either been described as imminent or not close to happening. In spite of that, the rumor mill continues to churn on players that could be of interest to the Lions.
Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox matched the Lions with the same three edge rushers on his trade block big board heading into Week 8 and now heading into Week 9. No. 1 on the top-10 list each time has been New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari.
"Selling off veterans now would make a ton of sense for New York, and pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari remains its top trade candidate. The 24-year-old has fared extremely well during Kayvon Thibodeaux's absence, but Thibodeaux will be eligible to come off injured reserve in Week 10."
'Ojulari will be a free agent in the spring."
"The Lions could (and should) make a strong push for Ojulari before the trade deadline. He isn't on Hutchinson's level, but he'd provide an edge presence that opponents can't simply ignore."
"The Lions, it should be noted, also lost pass-rusher Marcus Davenport to a season-ending triceps tear."
So far this season Ojulari has six sacks, with five over the last three games. In Week 8 he had a pair of sacks against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was a nice primetime showcase before the trade deadline.
At this point, there might be no pass rusher as hot as Ojulari, which could make him the right man at the right time for Detroit.
Azeez Ojulari could be savvy trade addition for the Lions
The Lions are looking for an addition that won't break the bank, but provide production. To that end, Ojulari is playing well and he's also just 24 years old. So acquiring him now could turn into him sticking around awhile as a running mate for Aidan Hutchinson.
It seems Ojulari wouldn't be overly costly in a trade as the 2-6 Giants trend the wrong way (three losses in a row), but NFL Network's Mike Garafolo has reported differently.
Two impending free agents for the #Giants who are valued inside the building. Would have to be blown away to trade either, from what I gather. https://t.co/UqUMShhcNj
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 29, 2024
While Ojulari isn't the biggest name the Lions could target, he's currently playing very well and could match what the front office is looking for all-around.