Azeez Ojulari's raw production, youth, and market projection make him a worthwhile edge gamble in free agency

Production and cost

Ojulari is a tough player to figure out. He's had respectable sack totals in each of his first four years in the NFL, averaging eight sacks per 17 games played. However, he's played only one full season and the high sack total isn't backed up by more detailed pass rushing metrics, including pressure rate. Six sacks in 2024 tied him for 56th in the NFL, but his pass rush win rate ranked 96th, per PFF.

He finished the 2024 season with only 22 pressures, good for 81st in the NFL. His explosiveness is there, though, and playing on a better defense should help make that evident.

He's likely to be a relatively cheap signing, which is a big part of the calculus here. While Sweat is projected to make $18 million a year and Young to get $17 million, Ojulari is expected to sign a two-year, $15.1 million deal ($7.6 million in yearly average).

For a short-term deal, Ojulari could be one of the best values in the league. He'll be 25 years old when the season starts, so the upside is real.

Free agency gold mine

Think about recent success stories, and you'll instantly see two former New York Giants players. Running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney were First-Team All-Pros in their first season with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, respectively.

Ojulari is not the same level of player, to be clear, but signing players from mismanaged teams is the best way to maximize value in free agency.

The fact that Azeez is still young and has the athletic tools to be good are what a well-coached team needs to take more out of him than the Giants have done.

If a team wants a number one edge, Chase Young will certainly still offer more upside—and probably more production. But in terms of value, it's hard to beat everything that involves Ojulari's profile.