Former Georgia Bulldogs star Azeez Ojulari’s lack of NFL Free Agency interest confirms worst suspicions from critics as he remains unsigned.

In the world of professional football, the NFL free agency period is an annual spectacle, offering players a chance to either secure a lucrative contract or, in some cases, find new opportunities with teams that fit their skillset. It’s a time when players who have shown promise or potential can make significant strides toward their next contract and solidify their place in the league. Yet, for some players, this window becomes a stark reminder that talent alone is not always enough to guarantee success at the highest level.

Former University of Georgia standout and New York Giants edge rusher Azeez Ojulari is one such player whose NFL free agency experience has not gone as anticipated. Despite an impressive career at Georgia, where he was regarded as one of the most promising pass-rushers in the nation, Ojulari has found himself without a contract in the aftermath of the 2025 free agency period. This lack of interest has led to critics reiterating their concerns about his professional future, many of which have now become a painful reality. As Ojulari remains unsigned, questions about his potential, work ethic, and ability to succeed in the NFL have resurfaced with a vengeance.

This article aims to explore the reasons behind Azeez Ojulari’s lack of interest during NFL free agency, analyzing how a series of factors—ranging from injuries to inconsistency on the field—have impacted his ability to secure a contract. It also aims to examine the broader implications of his situation for both Ojulari and the NFL at large, offering a detailed assessment of the state of his career and what steps he could take to regain momentum.

The Rise of Azeez Ojulari at Georgia

Before diving into the reasons behind Ojulari’s current predicament, it’s important to first look at his impressive rise as a college football player. Azeez Ojulari’s career at the University of Georgia was marked by exceptional performances, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. A player with a relentless motor, sharp instincts, and impressive pass-rushing skills, Ojulari quickly became one of the premier edge defenders in the nation. Throughout his time at Georgia, Ojulari earned recognition not only for his athletic ability but also for his high football IQ and leadership on the field.

Ojulari’s 2019 season set the stage for his rise, but it was his breakout junior year in 2020 that solidified his reputation. In his final season with the Bulldogs, Ojulari’s 9.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 8 quarterback hurries made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His ability to disrupt the quarterback, stop the run, and make key plays in critical moments earned him All-SEC honors and established him as one of the top edge rushers available in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Going into the draft, Ojulari was widely regarded as a first-round pick, with many expecting him to be an immediate contributor at the next level. His physical attributes were ideal for an NFL edge rusher—he stood at 6’2” and weighed 249 pounds, with explosive speed and the ability to bend the edge against offensive tackles. The New York Giants selected him in the second round, with high expectations that he would evolve into a cornerstone of their defensive line.

The Transition to the NFL: Early Struggles and Mixed Results

While Ojulari’s transition to the NFL was expected to be smooth, it hasn’t been without its share of challenges. After being drafted by the New York Giants, Ojulari quickly earned a starting role on the team’s defense. However, despite flashes of brilliance, his time in the NFL has been marred by inconsistency. Early in his career, Ojulari showed promise, tallying 8 sacks in his rookie season, showcasing his ability to get after the quarterback. However, as the seasons progressed, his production has been uneven, and several aspects of his game have raised concerns among both critics and NFL teams.

One of the primary reasons for the mixed results is Ojulari’s inability to remain consistent in his performance. While he demonstrated flashes of dominance, particularly when rushing the passer, he also struggled to stay on the field at times due to injuries. Furthermore, his overall impact in other areas of the game, such as defending the run or generating pressures, has been inconsistent. His skill set, while impressive, lacked the refinement that would make him a dominant force every week. This inconsistency has likely contributed to the lack of interest from NFL teams during the free agency period, as coaches and general managers look for players who can make an immediate and consistent impact.

In addition to his inconsistency on the field, Ojulari’s development in the NFL has been hindered by the Giants’ defensive scheme and a lack of talent surrounding him. While the Giants have invested in improving their defense, they have struggled to build a unit that could consistently apply pressure. Ojulari, in turn, was often tasked with carrying the weight of the pass rush, which limited his ability to thrive as a complementary player. However, these factors aside, Ojulari still failed to demonstrate the high level of consistency that teams look for in an edge rusher, leading to a more muted career trajectory than what was initially projected.

Factors Contributing to Azeez Ojulari’s Lack of NFL Free Agency Interest

As the 2025 NFL free agency period unfolded, it quickly became apparent that Ojulari was struggling to garner interest from potential suitors. Several factors have likely contributed to this lack of interest, with each playing a role in the narrative that has begun to form around his career. Let’s break down the key reasons why Ojulari remains unsigned and why critics’ worst fears about his future in the NFL are starting to materialize.

1. Injuries and Durability Concerns

Injuries have plagued Azeez Ojulari throughout his NFL career, and this has had a major impact on his ability to stay on the field and contribute to his team’s success. While not known for being injury-prone at Georgia, Ojulari’s early NFL seasons have seen him battle several injuries, including ankle, groin, and shoulder issues. These injuries have limited his playing time and prevented him from building momentum in his development.

Injuries, especially for edge rushers, are a significant red flag for NFL teams, who rely on the durability and consistency of their defensive players. A player who cannot stay on the field regularly is seen as a risk, especially when free agency offers a wealth of healthy, proven alternatives. Given the importance of staying healthy to maintain a starting role, Ojulari’s injury history likely played a major role in the lack of interest from NFL teams.

2. Inconsistent Pass Rush Production

Though Ojulari showed promise as a pass rusher in his rookie year, his production has been inconsistent over the past seasons. NFL teams are highly focused on players who can get after the quarterback consistently, and for edge rushers, the ability to generate sacks and pressures is non-negotiable. Despite his athleticism and quick first step, Ojulari has often been unable to provide sustained pressure on the quarterback.

In his three seasons with the Giants, Ojulari has recorded 17.5 sacks, a respectable total, but one that doesn’t compare to some of the premier edge rushers in the NFL. More importantly, his inability to consistently generate pressure, especially in high-leverage moments, has left teams wondering if he can ever become a true game-wrecker. With so many elite pass rushers available, Ojulari’s inconsistency has likely caused many teams to look elsewhere.

3. Limited Development in Other Areas

While Ojulari was a standout pass rusher in college, his ability to develop other facets of his game has been limited at the NFL level. One of the key areas of concern has been his ability to defend the run. As a complete edge rusher, the ability to set the edge and contribute in the run game is crucial. Unfortunately for Ojulari, he has shown only modest improvement in this area, and his inability to be a well-rounded defender has limited his value in the eyes of NFL coaches.

Additionally, his ability to generate pressures on non-sack plays has been erratic. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are able to release the ball quickly, simply getting a sack is not enough; a player must be able to impact the quarterback in other ways, such as through hurries or quarterback hits. Ojulari has struggled to be a consistent presence in these areas, which makes it harder for teams to justify investing in him long term.

4. The Competition in the NFL Free Agency Market

Another important factor to consider is the overall strength of the 2025 NFL free agency class. With several edge rushers—many of whom are more consistent and healthier than Ojulari—available, teams have had a wide array of choices. The market for pass rushers is competitive, with veterans and younger players alike looking for opportunities to prove themselves. As a result, Ojulari has been left in the shadow of other, more appealing options.

Moreover, many teams in need of pass-rush help have already addressed their defensive line issues through free agency, leaving fewer openings for a player like Ojulari, whose production has been uneven. In an age of salary cap constraints and efficiency-focused roster building, teams tend to prioritize established talents who can make an immediate impact, and Ojulari simply has not shown enough to fit that mold.

What’s Next for Azeez Ojulari?

The next steps for Azeez Ojulari’s career will depend on several factors. At this point, he will likely have to prove himself once again, either through a minor role on a team’s defense or by working his way into a starting position through a combination of health and consistent play. If he can stay healthy and refine his game, Ojulari may still have a future in the NFL.

One possible path is that Ojulari will find an opportunity to join a team as a situational pass rusher, offering his services in specific packages where he can focus on rushing the quarterback in ideal situations. Alternatively, he could try to secure a depth role, learning from veterans and continuing to develop his skill set.

Regardless of the path, the clock is ticking for Ojulari, and his career is at a crossroads. The lack of interest during free agency is a major setback, but it’s not necessarily the end of his career. However, for a player once considered one of the top pass rushers in the league, the road ahead is no longer as certain as it once seemed.