The Detroit Lions lost Marcus Davenport for the season, meaning they may need to compete with other teams to trade for Azeez Ojulari.
With Marcus Davenport out for the season, the Detroit Lions could explore the trade market for edge defender Azeez Ojulari. The former second-round pick from Georgia made an immediate impact with the New York Giants, recording eight sacks, 49 tackles, and 13 quarterback hits in his rookie season under then-head coach Joe Judge. However, he hasn’t matched that production since, partly because he’s not an ideal fit for current head coach Brian Daboll’s scheme.
Azeez Ojulari has been a consistent pass rusher for the past three seasons, but a move to a different system might unlock his full potential before he becomes a free agent. ESPN’s Dan Graziano believes the Giants could trade the veteran, and with the Lions needing help after losing Davenport, they may have to fend off interest from the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers for Ojulari.
Chiefs, Panthers Could Challenge Lions in Azeez Ojulari Trade
The Kansas City Chiefs are arguably the NFL’s luckiest 3-0 team. A few bad bounces could have them sitting at 0-3, as their passing offense has not been its typical dominant self and may not improve this season.
With Travis Kelce aging, Marquise Brown likely out for the season, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy not yet ready to handle a full route tree, the Chiefs may need to trade for a defensive playmaker like Azeez Ojulari to compete for their third Super Bowl in a row.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones remains a force, but he’s the only consistent threat on the Chiefs’ defensive line. Former first-round pick George Karlaftis has underperformed in the first three games, Mike Danna is a rotational player, and 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah has done little to shed the ‘bust’ label in his rookie year.
The Chiefs need another pass rusher, and Ojulari is one of the top options on the trade market. With many elite quarterbacks in the AFC, the Chiefs could benefit from a pass rusher to disrupt opposing offenses.
Are the Panthers a Contender?
In Week 3, it was clear that Bryce Young was the issue for the Carolina Panthers. With a competent quarterback like Andy Dalton at the helm, the offense came to life. At 1-2, Carolina is only a game out of the NFC South lead, with 14 games left to play.
Though many expected the Panthers to be sellers at the trade deadline, Dalton could have them looking to add a player like Azeez Ojulari.
Dalton won’t solve Carolina’s defensive problems, and they could use an additional pass rusher. Free agent signing Jadeveon Clowney notched his first sack in Week 3, but he can’t carry the pass rush alone.
While Ojulari wouldn’t transform the defense into the 1985 Bears, he could provide much-needed depth. With Clowney, Ojulari, and a healthy D.J. Wonnum, the Panthers could make a serious run in the weak NFC South.
