Azeez Ojulari didn't have to pack up his apartment on Tuesday night, so he can be healthy for the rest of the season.
The NFL trade deadline ended without the Giants releasing the 24-year-old pass rusher for a draft pick, ending weeks of speculation that was hard to ignore.
“It's nice not having to move,” Ojulari said after Wednesday's practice. “I’m happy to be here and ready to keep going.”
Ojulari said he was in contact with his agent and going about his normal off-duty routine leading up to the deadline.
In the afternoon he realized that he was stuck there.
“It's part of the business, but I have no control over it,” Ojulari said. “Everything feels like it's going smoothly. Nothing weird, nothing scary.”
The Giants reportedly received a call about Ojulari, but had no intention of moving him for a draft pick below the fifth round, despite likely losing him in free agency after the season. .
There are no known extension talks, but the Giants have two top pass rushers in Brian Burns, who has already signed a $141 million contract, and former No. 5 overall draft pick Kayvon Thibodeau, who will soon become eligible. has. For expansion.
Ojulari has five sacks in the last four games, which coincides with increased playing time while Thibodeau is out with wrist surgery.
“I'm glad you're behind me,” Ojulari said. “I'm trapped in this [next] Game now. There's no need to focus on anything else or learn new defenses. ”
The market value of edge rushers is lower than expected, as Preston Smith (Packers to Steelers) was acquired in the 7th round, Baron Browning (Broncos to Cardinals) was acquired in the 6th round, and Za'Darius Smith (Browns to Lions) was acquired. It was also low. ), the seventh rounder returned a fifth and a sixth rounder.
Thibodeau, who will not play Sunday against the Panthers, said Wednesday that he plans to return after next week's bye game.
The addition will likely reduce Ojulari's snap count, but he probably won't get back to the 37 percent he played at the start of the season.
“All I can do is do my part,” Ojulari said. “Whenever we go out, we do everything we can to be effective and make the most of our chances. There are still eight games left, but we have a lot to make for good film and aim for a win.” There is a match.”
Former Giants GM Dave Gettleman selected Ojulari as a second-round pick in 2021.
His 22 sacks since then rank second on the team behind Dexter Lawrence (23.5 sacks).
“My back feels better,” Ojulari said. “The mentality hasn't changed. We'll continue to play hard and physical.”
The Giants also retained pending free agent receiver Darius Slayton at the deadline.
He is not allowed to give media interviews during the NFL's concussion protocol.
