NFL Offseason: Can Packers Land Dominant Pass Rusher Azeez Ojulari On A Cheap Deal?

As the NFL offseason continues to heat up, the Green Bay Packers are on the hunt for a dominant pass rusher to bolster their defense. With the loss of key players from their previous roster, the Packers are in need of a game-changer to pair with veteran linebacker Za'Darius Smith. One name that has been making the rounds is Azeez Ojulari, a talented defensive end from LSU who could potentially fit the bill. But can the Packers land Ojulari on a cheap deal? In this article, we'll explore the possibilities and examine the factors that could influence the Packers' pursuit of Ojulari.

The Packers' defense has been a concern for several seasons now, and the loss of key players has left a gaping hole in their pass rush. With Za'Darius Smith's upcoming free agency looming, the Packers are in a prime position to make a move for a talented young pass rusher like Ojulari. While Smith has been a key contributor to the team's success in recent years, his age and injury history make him a risk to sign for the long haul. Ojulari, on the other hand, is just 23 years old and has already shown flashes of brilliance in his limited time in the league.

One of the biggest advantages the Packers have is their financial flexibility. With a cap situation that's considered relatively healthy, the team has the resources to make a move for Ojulari without sacrificing too much in the short term. Additionally, the Packers' organizational culture is well-respected throughout the league, and Ojulari may be attracted to the team's coaching staff and player development philosophy.

However, there are also several factors that could work against the Packers' pursuit of Ojulari. For one, the defensive end is highly sought after by several other teams in the league, including the Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks, and Atlanta Falcons. With limited depth at the position, other teams may be willing to pay top dollar for Ojulari's services. Furthermore, the Packers' front office will need to navigate the complexities of contract negotiations, particularly given Ojulari's rookie deal, which is set to expire after this season.

NFL Offseason Front Running Teams

The 2023 NFL offseason is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams vying for Ojulari's services. Here are some of the top front-running teams:

• Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have been a consistent front-runner for Ojulari, and their coaching staff has expressed interest in the defensive end's services.
• Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have a history of targeting young pass rushers and have been linked to Ojulari on several occasions.
• Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have also been mentioned as a potential suitor for Ojulari, and their coaching staff has expressed interest in the defensive end's services.

Azeez Ojulari's Agent Has Spoken

Ojulari's agent, Shawn Coyne, has spoken out about his client's future with the New York Giants, where Ojulari has been playing since the end of the 2020 season. While Coyne has expressed enthusiasm for the Giants' coaching staff and the team's long-term prospects, it's unclear whether Ojulari's priorities will align with the team's. In an interview with ESPN, Coyne stated, "We've had some great conversations with the Giants, and they're a team that we think could be a good fit for Azeez. However, at the end of the day, it's all about what's best for Azeez and his family."

Key Players and Coaches Who Could Influence Ojulari's Decision

There are several key players and coaches on the Packers' roster who could influence Ojulari's decision to join the team. Here are a few:

• Za'Darius Smith: The veteran linebacker has been a key contributor to the team's pass rush, and his presence on the roster could make Ojulari feel more comfortable.
• Mike Pettine: The Packers' defensive coordinator has a reputation for developing young pass rushers and could provide Ojulari with the guidance and support he needs to thrive.
• Brett Favre: The team's legendary quarterback could provide Ojulari with a mentorship and offer advice on how to navigate the NFL.

Potential Contracts for Azeez Ojulari

Ojulari's rookie deal is set to expire after this season, and there are several potential contract scenarios that could play out. Here are a few:

• 1-year deal: The Packers could sign Ojulari to a one-year deal, which would give them the flexibility to assess his performance before making a longer-term commitment.
• 2-year deal: Alternatively, the Packers could offer Ojulari a two-year deal, which would give him stability and security while allowing the team to evaluate his long-term prospects.
• 3-year deal: However, the Packers may also be willing to offer Ojulari a more long-term deal, potentially worth upwards of $10 million per year.

The Packers' Front Office

The Packers' front office has a reputation for being shrewd and efficient, and their ability to navigate contract negotiations will be crucial in landing Ojulari. Here are a few key players and coaches who will be involved in the process:

• Russ Ball: The Packers' director of player personnel has a long history of making savvy moves in free agency, and his expertise will be crucial in landing Ojulari.
• Erskine Mayer: The team's director of pro scouting has a deep understanding of Ojulari's abilities and could