Packers urged to make blockbuster trade for ‘long-term’ pass rush solution
The Green Bay Packers will take on the Detroit Lions for first place in the NFC North on November 3. The Packers have looked great defensively, but could make a trade to improve their pass rush.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentioned that New York Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari is generating trade buzz. Resultingly, FanSided’s Ryan Heckman urged the Packers to make a trade to add him to fix their pass rush.
“One particular option for the Packers, if they wanted to address their pass rush, would be to go after fourth-year pro Azeez Ojulari of the New York Giants,” wrote Heckman.
Ojulari is on the final year of his career and has 22 career sacks. He has six sacks this season despite only playing 55% of defensive snaps. The Packers have 21 sacks as a team, but no individual player has more than three. He is in the final year of his deal, and the Giants have invested heavily in Brian Burnes and Kayvon Thibodeaux, meaning Ojulari may not get paid by them this offseason.
“In recent games, Ojulari has shown plenty of juice. He’s likely heard the trade rumors and, knowing he’s in the final year of his contract, is playing hard to get that second one,” wrote Heckman. “If the Packers were able to land him, he’d fit perfectly and might even be a candidate for an extension, becoming part of the long-term outlook in Green Bay.”
The Packers signed Rashan Gary to an extension last year, but he has not lived up to his contract this year. He could turn things around. However, Preston Smith will turn 32 this year and has shown signs of decline. Ojulari could become a part of the Packers’ future if they sign him to an extension.
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