Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is always looking to make a deal, and the NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching. While Philadelphia is riding a four-game winning streak and currently sits at 6-2, Roseman understands there is always room for improvement.
Roseman has made moves around the trade deadline in three consecutive seasons. Given that Philadelphia is in the playoff race, the Eagles could be buyers at this year’s trade deadline. Which player could Roseman have his eyes on in 2024?
Eagles Acquire Former Georgia Bulldog in Proposed Trade To Improve Pass Rush
While the Eagles are riding high at 6-2, the same can’t be said for the New York Giants in 2024. The Giants fell to 2-7, following a loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 9.
Given New York’s current situation, they are clearly in position to be sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. Many of New York’s players have been involved in trade rumors in recent weeks, yet one player in particular makes sense as a target for the Eagles.
It’s no secret that Roseman and the Eagles have added several former Georgia Bulldogs in recent years. Philadelphia’s defense is loaded with former Bulldogs, including Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo.
Although Philadelphia’s defense is playing at an elite level since the bye week, the Eagles are still lacking a consistent pass rush. Therefore, Philadelphia could address that need by adding another former Bulldog at this year’s trade deadline in this projected deal.
- Eagles acquire: OLB Azeez Ojulari
- Giants acquire: 2025 fifth-round pick
Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari played for three seasons at Georgia, as he spent time playing alongside several current Eagles starters while with the Bulldogs. Therefore, his transition to playing in Philadelphia’s defense would be rather seamless.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Ojulari has been a popular name in trade discussions, and New York appears open to dealing the 24-year-old outside linebacker at this year’s trade deadline.
Since Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux landed on injured reserve with a wrist injury, Ojulari has impressed in New York. Ojulari has six sacks this season and would certainly boost Philadelphia’s inconsistent pass rush.
Azeez Ojulari Trade Propaganda:
-8.5 Sacks in past 19 games with the Giants
-6'2" 250lbs but has only shown average pass rush traits for his size
-Has seen spike in production without Thibodeaux
-Good DE3 for a playoff team
-Worth a Day 3 Pick (Late 5th Rd) pic.twitter.com/rsH8p4TU8v— NFL Shock (@NFLShock) November 2, 2024
Following Philadelphia’s victory in Week 9, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni revealed that edge rusher Bryce Huff is dealing with a hand injury. Huff played just five defensive snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to TruMedia.
While many will likely dismiss the idea of an in-division trade between the Eagles and Giants, we’ve seen several trades happen between teams in the NFC East in 2024.
The Eagles have traded with the Commanders twice in 2024. They traded up with Washington in the 2024 NFL Draft to select Cooper DeJean, then the Eagles traded for Jahan Dotson prior to the regular season.
The Giants also traded with the Dallas Cowboys prior to the regular season as well. New York traded defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and a seventh-round pick to Dallas for a sixth-round pick.
Revisiting Roseman’s Questionable In-Season Trade History
The trade deadline is always an exciting time around the NFL, except Roseman and the Eagles have had a relatively low success rate with their deals in recent seasons.
Philadelphia has traded for three players over the last three NFL trade deadlines. In 2023, the Eagles traded Terrell Edmunds, a 2024 fourth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for former All-Pro safety Kevin Byard.
Byard played 10 games for the Eagles before being released in the offseason. He joined the team at an awkward time, as Philadelphia made a change at defensive coordinator and eventually spiraled out of control. It was an odd situation for both sides that didn’t work as expected.
In 2022, Philadelphia traded a 2023 fourth-round pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for edge rusher Robert Quinn. The 34-year-old veteran appeared in six games for the Eagles, recording just two total tackles.
Lastly, in 2021, the Eagles traded a 2022 sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos for cornerback Kary Vincent Jr. He was eventually waived the following offseason and registered just two total tackles in two games for the Eagles.
Given Philadelphia’s recent history at the trade deadline, it’s fair to question if Roseman should make a move in 2024. Yet, despite previous failures, the opportunity to add a player such as Ojulari would be too good to pass up on for the Eagles at this year’s trade deadline.