Giants rumored asking price for Azeez Ojulari trade leaves Packers with no excuses

On a day when the Detroit Lions have already traded Za’Darius Smith and Washington Commanders lander Marshon Lattimore, it’s the Green Bay Packers’ turn to make a move.

The Packers typically don’t take big swings at the trade deadline, and Lattimore never seemed realistic, but New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari is a player to watch. Former Pro Bowler TJ Lang revealed that the Packers are “going to make a big push” for Ojulari before the trade deadline.

Why is it important? Lang was at Lambeau Field as an announcer for the Lions Radio Network on Sunday, so there’s every chance he heard some secrets.

Given their pass-rush depth, the Giants could trade Ojulari, who is a free agent this offseason. And their asking price makes it an easy decision for the Packers.

According to Athletics’ Dianna RussiniThe Giants are asking for a late fourth round pick or early fifth round pick.

Is that it?

It should be an absolute no-brainer for the Packers if they can get Ojulari at that price. They would also have to agree to a long-term extension to avoid losing him in free agency, but he’s worth it. Of all the potential last-minute Packers trade targets, Ojulari makes the most sense.

He’s only 24 years old and could solve Green Bay’s pass-rush problems long-term.

The Giants have star pass rushers Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux ahead of them on the depth chart, which could make it difficult to pay him in free agency. New York’s loss would be Green Bay’s gain. With Thibodeaux sidelined over the last four weeks, Ojulari has made five sacks, seven quarterback hits and six tackles for loss.

According to PFF, Ojulari has 21 pressures this season, more than any Packers defensive lineman. He also has six sacks, double Green Bay’s leader Devonte Wyatt, who has three. And Ojulari achieved it despite starting just four games.

The Packers need to fix their pass rush inconsistency to have a realistic shot at making a deep playoff run in a competitive NFC. Ojulari wouldn’t be a short-term, high-risk move like the Commanders traded for Lattimore. He could start for several years in this defense.

If the Giants make him available for a Day 3 pick, Brian Gutekunst should pick up the phone and refuse to hang up until Ojulari is on a plane to Green Bay.

More Packers news and analysis