The Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory, have made waves in the NFL with their aggressive roster moves during the 2025 offseason. After losing key defensive linemen Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Brandon Graham, the Eagles bolstered their pass-rushing unit through free agency, aiming to maintain their dominance on the defensive front. However, not all of their high-profile acquisitions are guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster. In a surprising twist, Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport has projected that edge rusher Azeez Ojulari, a former standout with the New York Giants, could be on the chopping block this summer.
A Promising Start Derailed
Azeez Ojulari arrived in Philadelphia with high expectations. During his four seasons with the New York Giants, Ojulari showcased his potential as a dynamic pass-rusher, amassing 22 sacks, including an impressive eight-sack rookie campaign in 2021 and six sacks in 2024 despite limited snaps. His per-snap production was among the best in the league, making him a prime candidate for a breakout season with the Eagles’ revamped defensive line. The move to Philadelphia was seen as an opportunity for Ojulari to overcome his history of durability issues and cement himself as a cornerstone of the reigning champions’ defense.
However, according to Davenport, Ojulari’s tenure in Philadelphia has been anything but smooth. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this for Azeez Ojulari in Philadelphia,” Davenport wrote. “But things haven’t gone according to plan for Ojulari in the City of Brotherly Love—at all.” Despite his proven track record, Ojulari has struggled to find his footing in the Eagles’ new defensive scheme. He has been surpassed on the depth chart not only by younger talents like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt but also by veteran Josh Uche, a player with just five sacks over the past two seasons. This unexpected slide has raised questions about Ojulari’s fit with the team.
Why Cut a Player with Such Potential?
Davenport’s projection that Ojulari could be cut before the 2025 regular season is a bold claim, especially given the edge rusher’s pedigree. So, what has led to this stunning prediction? Several factors appear to be at play. First, Ojulari’s adjustment to Philadelphia’s defensive system may be proving more challenging than anticipated. The transition from the Giants’ scheme to the Eagles’ new-look front could be hindering his ability to replicate the explosiveness he displayed in New York. Second, his history of injuries may have taken a toll, potentially diminishing the athleticism that made him such a dangerous pass-rusher. As Davenport noted, “Maybe it’s learning a new scheme. Or all the injuries have robbed Ojulari of a step.”
Additionally, the Eagles’ depth at the edge rusher position is formidable. With emerging stars like Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt, as well as the addition of Josh Uche, the team has multiple options to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ojulari’s inability to stand out in this competitive group has put his roster spot in jeopardy. Furthermore, the financial implications of cutting Ojulari are minimal, as the dead cap hit would be negligible, making the decision to part ways less costly for the Eagles.
A Buy-Low Opportunity or a Failed Experiment?
Despite the current narrative, Ojulari remains a player with significant upside. His 22 sacks over four seasons with the Giants demonstrate his ability to impact games when healthy and in the right system. At just 25 years old, he could still be a valuable asset for a team willing to take a chance on his potential. The Eagles’ decision to consider cutting him could be viewed as a strategic move to prioritize younger or more scheme-compatible players, but it also opens the door for another team to acquire a proven pass-rusher at a bargain.
The notion that Ojulari could be cut may seem aggressive, but it underscores the cutthroat nature of NFL roster decisions, even for a team coming off a Super Bowl win. The Eagles’ coaching staff, led by head coach Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, will likely give Ojulari every opportunity to prove himself in training camp and preseason games. However, if he fails to regain his form or adapt to the new system, Philadelphia may indeed move on from the former second-round pick.
What’s Next for Ojulari and the Eagles?
As the Eagles prepare for the 2025 NFL regular season, all eyes will be on their roster decisions, particularly at the edge rusher position. Ojulari’s performance over the next few weeks will be critical in determining whether he can salvage his spot on the team. For a player with his talent and track record, a strong showing in training camp could silence doubters and reaffirm his value to the Eagles’ defense.
On the other hand, if Davenport’s prediction comes to fruition, Ojulari could find himself on the open market, where his youth and pass-rushing prowess would likely attract interest from other teams. For the Eagles, cutting Ojulari would signal their confidence in their younger edge rushers and their commitment to fielding the most effective roster possible as they aim to defend their Super Bowl title.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, even a player as talented as Azeez Ojulari is not guaranteed a roster spot. As the Eagles finalize their 53-man roster, this shocking potential move will be one to watch closely.