Eagles could stun fan base at training camp with surprising cut

The Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of tough decisions to make on cut day.

However, Bleacher Report believes that a former second-round pick could be on the outs for Philadelphia come late August. Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport gave his opinion on each NFL team's most probable cut candidate, with Davenport believing offseason signing Azeez Ojulari to be the Eagles' cut candidate.

"It wasn't supposed to be like this for Azeez Ojulari in Philadelphia.

Over his four seasons with the New York Giants, he showed high-end per-snap production, including six sacks in less than 400 snaps last year. Durability was an issue, but if he could just stay healthy, he was headed for a career season in Philadelphia's new-look defensive front.

But things haven't gone according to plan for Ojulari in the City of Brotherly Love—at all. It’s no surprise he is behind Nolan Smith on the depth chart. Or Jalyx Hunt. But getting passed by veteran Josh Uche (who has five sacks over the last two seasons combined) is not a good look.

Maybe it's learning a new scheme. Or all the injuries have robbed Ojulari of a step. But whatever the reason, he has looked nothing like the explosive pass-rusher he was in New York.

And the dead cap hit for ending the Ojulari experiment before it ever begins is minimal."

Can Ojulari avoid Bleacher Report's prediction of being cut by the Eagles?

Ojulari was signed this offseason in an effort to replace Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, and Brandon Graham, who are all no longer with the team. Ojulari signed an extremely incentive-laden one-year deal worth up to $4 million, and away from their division rival, the New York Giants.

Ojulari had been extremely productive for the Giants, recording 22.0 sacks in four seasons (including eight in his rookie year). However, while his sack production can be considered above average, his ability to stay on the field has been his biggest issue since entering the NFL.

After appearing in 17 games (13 starts) in 2021 (rookie year), Ojulari hasn't appeared in more than 11 games over the past three seasons. His snap count has fallen from 780 in 2021 to 230 (2022-7 games), 423 (2023-11 games), to 398 (2024-11 games) over his tenure with the Giants.

Currently, Ojulari is fourth on the Eagles depth chart behind Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and veteran Josh Uche. According to Davenport, he believes Ojulari's issues could stem from learning a new scheme or all the injuries he's suffered, causing him to lose a step.

While Roseman's signing of Ojulari seemed like a smart, low-risk deal in March, it does appear that the Eagles may have limited to no ROI with the former Georgia Bulldog. With the Eagles investing draft capital in Antwaun Powell-Ryland in addition Hunt and Uche stepping up Ojulari could find himself on another team, possibly working his way up from a practice squad once the 2025 regular season kicks off.