By Blessing 
Is New York Giants Free Agent Worth the Risk for the Lions?
As the Detroit Lions continue shaping their roster, it’s becoming more evident that adding another defensive end in free agency might not be on their immediate to-do list. Still, fans are growing increasingly vocal about the need for general manager Brad Holmes to bring in more firepower off the edge.
The team recently brought back Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal following the release of veteran Za’Darius Smith. While the move makes sense on paper, there’s a level of skepticism surrounding Davenport’s availability throughout the season. His injury history leaves many wondering whether he’ll be healthy enough to contribute during a crucial playoff run.
One potential solution still sitting on the free agent market is former New York Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari — a name that could bring upside but also carries some risk.
Ojulari, a former second-round pick in 2021, has appeared in 46 games over four seasons. He’s racked up 22 career sacks and 37 quarterback hits, proving he can make an impact when healthy. In 2024, despite missing some time, he managed six sacks across 11 games — a solid showing that reminds teams of his pass-rushing potential.
Reports indicated that the Cincinnati Bengals had their eye on the 24-year-old before ultimately signing Joseph Ossai to a short-term deal. That level of interest shows Ojulari is still on the radar for teams needing help on the edge.
But it’s not all upside. Injuries have followed Ojulari since college. He bounced back from a torn ACL suffered in high school, but recent seasons have seen him miss time due to toe, ankle, and hamstring issues — red flags for any team hoping to count on consistency.
There’s also concern about his overall game beyond pass rushing. Ojulari struggled against the run in 2024, earning a 60.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus and a subpar 30.6 tackling grade. As a pass rusher, his PFF score came in at 54.6 — respectable, but not exactly elite.
That might explain why the Lions haven’t made a move just yet. Detroit’s coaching staff has emphasized that players must earn the right to rush the passer, not just be handed the opportunity.
“We played about four different variations of defense here over four years, and that was due to the personnel,” said linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard. “It’s not about my scheme. I know what I want, but if that’s not what’s in the room, you have to be able to adapt and adjust. And to me, that’s what makes a great coach, recognizing what a player does well, what a coach does well, and putting those guys in those positions more often than not, and not making it about you, because this is a player-driven league.”
For now, the Lions appear content with their current depth. But if the right opportunity arises — and if Ojulari can stay healthy — he might just be a gamble worth taking.