ST.Eagles Land Potential Superstar for PEANUTS: How a $3M Deal Is a Ticking Time Bomb for the NFL
In a move that flew under the radar this past offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles made a calculated gamble by signing veteran linebacker Azeez Ojulari to a one-year, $3 million contract. The 25-year-old pass rusher, who racked up an impressive 22 sacks in 46 games over four seasons with the New York Giants, was expected to bolster an already formidable Eagles defense. But as the 2025 NFL season unfolds, Ojulari remains a surprising healthy scratch, sidelined despite his proven track record. With whispers of a potential trade swirling, this low-cost acquisition could soon become a game-changer—not just for the Eagles, but for the entire NFL.
Ojulari’s resume speaks for itself. At just 25, he’s already notched three seasons with at least 5.5 sacks, showcasing the kind of explosive edge-rushing ability that makes offensive coordinators lose sleep. His time with the Giants proved he’s a force when healthy, combining speed, power, and relentless energy to disrupt opposing backfields. When the Eagles swooped in with a bargain-bin $3 million deal, it looked like a heist—a potential superstar signed for peanuts. Yet, shockingly, Ojulari hasn’t seen a single snap this season, even as the Eagles continue to refine their pass-rushing rotation.
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The team’s recent signing of Za’Darius Smith has only muddied the waters, raising questions about Ojulari’s role in Philadelphia. Is he a luxury the Eagles don’t need, or is he a sleeping giant waiting to erupt? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently flagged Ojulari as a name to watch on the trade block, noting that his current status as a healthy scratch could make him an attractive target for teams desperate for pass-rush help.
The Eagles have never been shy about making bold moves. General Manager Howie Roseman has a reputation for wheeling and dealing, and with Ojulari’s untapped potential, Philadelphia could be holding a valuable asset. Fowler pointed to teams like the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens as potential suitors. The Chargers, sitting at 3-0 but missing star pass rusher Khalil Mack in the short term, struggled to pressure Denver’s Bo Nix in Week 3. Meanwhile, Ravens coach John Harbaugh publicly called out his team’s lackluster pass rush after a recent game, hinting at the possibility of a splash move reminiscent of Baltimore’s transformative Roquan Smith trade nearly three years ago.
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Ojulari’s youth and production make him an intriguing option for any contender. At 25, he’s still ascending, with the kind of upside that could turn a playoff hopeful into a legitimate Super Bowl threat. His $3 million price tag is a steal for a player with his skill set, and a change of scenery could unlock his full potential.
The Eagles’ decision to keep Ojulari on the bench is baffling. With a defense built to dominate, his ability to get after the quarterback should be a perfect fit alongside stars like Haason Reddick and the newly acquired Za’Darius Smith. Yet, for reasons unclear—whether it’s scheme fit, coaching decisions, or simply a numbers game at the edge rusher position—Ojulari remains unused. This has sparked speculation that Philadelphia might be showcasing him for a trade, dangling a proven talent to teams in need of a spark.
Could a team like the Chargers, led by GM Joe Hortiz, who values draft picks but knows the value of a win-now move, make a play? Or will the Ravens, desperate to reignite their pass rush, pull the trigger? Even teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, who have their own star pass rusher in Trey Hendrickson, could enter the conversation if the right offer comes along.
The NFL is a league of opportunity, and Azeez Ojulari represents a powder keg waiting to explode. Whether he breaks out in Philadelphia or becomes the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade, his $3 million deal is looking like one of the biggest bargains of the offseason. For the Eagles, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could reshape their defense or net them valuable assets in a trade. For the rest of the league, it’s a warning: underestimate this young pass rusher at your own peril.
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As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Ojulari and the Eagles. Will Philadelphia unleash their hidden gem, or will another team snag a potential superstar for pennies on the dollar? One thing’s for sure—this $3 million deal is a ticking time bomb, and when it goes off, the NFL will feel the blast.
