Detroit Lions Eyeing Azeez Ojulari as a Cost-Effective Edge Rush Option to Complement Aidan Hutchinson

As the Detroit Lions look to improve their roster and make a deeper playoff push in the 2025 NFL season, much of the offseason focus has been on bolstering their defense, particularly the edge rusher position. With defensive talent at a premium, the Lions have been linked to several high-profile edge rushers, including household names like Myles Garrett, Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Trey Hendrickson. These players have all been considered potential targets for Detroit in an effort to further enhance the defensive line.

However, Lions GM Brad Holmes made it clear during the NFL Combine that signing an expensive, top-tier edge rusher might not be in the cards for the team. With a large extension on the horizon for their star defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions are focused on maintaining long-term financial flexibility. Hutchinson, who has quickly become one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers, is expected to command a massive extension as he enters the final years of his rookie contract. This leaves the Lions in a position where they must balance securing high-quality players for their defense without overspending, particularly in the edge rusher market.

Given this scenario, Detroit is likely to explore more cost-effective options to fill the edge rusher role. According to Mike Jones of The Athletic, one player who could emerge as a potential target for the Lions is New York Giants’ edge rusher Azeez Ojulari. Ojulari, a former second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has flashed immense potential but has also faced challenges along the way due to injury issues. Despite those setbacks, his upside could make him a compelling option for the Lions as they aim to improve their pass rush without breaking the bank.

Ojulari’s Promising Rookie Season

Ojulari entered the NFL with high expectations after a standout career at Georgia, where he earned All-American honors and demonstrated impressive pass-rush ability. In his rookie season with the Giants, he made an immediate impact. Ojulari recorded eight sacks, 27 pressures, and 49 total tackles in 2021, showing that he could be a game-changing presence off the edge. His first season in the NFL proved that when healthy, Ojulari could be a dynamic player who could help turn around a defense.

However, injuries have been a consistent hurdle for Ojulari throughout his career, and his second season was marred by time missed due to injury. Despite playing in only seven games in 2022, Ojulari managed to record 5.5 sacks and 13 pressures, showing that he still has the ability to generate a pass rush even when he’s not playing a full complement of games. The fact that he still posted impressive numbers while dealing with health issues speaks to his raw talent and potential when fully healthy.

Injury Struggles but Continued Promise

Injuries have been a central theme of Ojulari’s early career. After a strong rookie year, his 2022 and 2023 seasons saw him sidelined for a significant amount of time. In 2023, he played in just 11 games but managed to put together another solid season, finishing with six sacks despite being on the field for only 58% of the defensive snaps. While his playing time has been inconsistent, his ability to produce when he is on the field has been undeniable.

The major concern for the Lions—and any team considering Ojulari—remains his injury history. Over the past two years, he’s been unable to stay on the field for a full season, which may cause hesitation for teams looking to invest heavily in the edge rusher position. However, his production when healthy provides hope that he can develop into a reliable, impactful player if he can stay on the field more consistently in the future. At just 24 years old, Ojulari still has plenty of room for growth and could be entering the prime of his career as he gains more experience and health stability.

A Perfect Fit for the Lions’ Defense

For the Lions, Ojulari could be an ideal candidate for several reasons. First, his age and potential fit well with the overall direction of the defense. Detroit has been building a young and talented defensive unit in recent years, with Aidan Hutchinson leading the charge. Hutchinson, who finished his rookie season with 9.5 sacks and quickly established himself as a dominant force on the edge, is expected to be the centerpiece of Detroit’s defensive line for years to come. Pairing him with a young, hungry edge rusher like Ojulari could form a potent duo capable of wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Second, Ojulari’s injury history may be seen as a risk, but his relatively low cost due to those concerns could make him an attractive option for the Lions if they are looking for a player who can provide high reward without the hefty price tag of a top-tier edge rusher. The Lions already have one of the best edge rushers in the league in Hutchinson, so they do not necessarily need to make a big splash in free agency. Instead, they can look for a complementary piece who can provide solid production at a more affordable price.

If Ojulari is able to stay healthy, he could emerge as a key contributor to the Lions’ pass rush, providing an additional edge rusher to take some of the pressure off Hutchinson. With the depth of talent in the edge rusher class this offseason, Detroit could find an edge rusher who can be productive without breaking the bank, allowing them to allocate resources elsewhere on the roster.

A Potential High-Reward, Low-Risk Move

The prospect of signing Azeez Ojulari could present a high-reward, low-risk opportunity for the Lions. Given his injury history, the Lions may not have to pay top dollar for his services, but his ability to produce when healthy suggests that he could be a valuable asset if he can stay on the field. For a team that is focused on building long-term success without overspending, Ojulari represents a potential bargain.

If the Lions opt to pursue Ojulari, it will likely be a calculated move to secure a talented pass rusher who can complement Hutchinson and provide valuable depth on the edge. His addition would allow Detroit to maintain financial flexibility while continuing to build a defense that could compete with the best in the league.

Conclusion

As the Lions look to bolster their defense ahead of the 2025 season, Azeez Ojulari could be a compelling option to fill their need at the edge rusher position. Despite his injury struggles, Ojulari has proven that he can be an effective pass rusher when healthy, and at just 24 years old, he still has plenty of room to develop. With a young, talented defensive core already in place, the Lions could find value in Ojulari as a cost-effective solution to complement Aidan Hutchinson on the edge. If the Lions can manage his injury history and keep him healthy, Ojulari could become a key piece in Detroit’s defensive future.