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The NFL is playing checkers, and Howie Roseman is playing chess. As the rest of the league continues to dish out massive contracts for B-tier players like Dan Moore Jr. and Milton Williams, the Philadelphia Eagles may have quietly made the best signing of this free agency period.
Last offseason, Philadelphia inked Zack Baun to a cheap, one-year deal. Baun ended up becoming an All-Pro linebacker who helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl. Could this player be on a similar path?
Eagles Signing Azeez Ojulari is the Best Move of Free Agency
After the initial rush of NFL free agency died down, the Philadelphia Eagles made a move that flew under the radar. Philadelphia signed former New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million. To most fans, this looks like a depth signing to help replace the Arizona-bound Josh Sweat. Instead, this Eagles signing may be the best move of free agency thus far.
Azeez Ojulari was a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is, and always has been, a pass rush specialist. He does not excel at defending the run, but he can provide significant value in a specific role. In his rookie year, Ojulari recorded ten sacks and 27 quarterback hurries. In 2024, he had seven sacks and 12 quarterback hurries despite being buried behind Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux on the depth chart.
Ojulari uses speed and finesse to track down opposing passers and make game-changing plays. In a deep Philadelphia defensive front, he will be able to play a role that suits his skill set. The Eagles edge rusher group includes Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Bryce Huff. This depth will allow them to rotate their pass rushers and keep each player fresh. Unless Philadelphia adds another edge rusher early in the 2025 NFL Draft, expect Azeez Ojulari to play a significant role in their defense.
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