Cardinals, Falcons Monitoring Azeez Ojulari; Latest On Giants OLB’s Market
A shortlist of names is in place regarding the edge rush trade market. One of the top targets for contending teams remains Azeez Ojulari, who is currently on track to finish his Giants rookie contract over the remainder of the season. 
As a pending free agent, Ojulari could easily price himself out of New York. The team already has Brian Burns attached to a $28.2MM-per-year deal, and 2022 fifth overall pick Kayvon Thibodeaux will be eligible for an extension this offseason. Keeping that pair in the fold for the foreseeable future while also committing to a signficant Ojulari raise would be challenging given the Giants’ more immediate roster needs.
To no surprise, potential buyers have made calls about the Georgia product’s availability in advance of the November 5 trade deadline. Several teams continue to express interest, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network writes. Depending on the status of veterans likes Za’Darius Smith and Jadeveon Clowney, Ojulari could find himself as the top edge rusher on the market over the coming days. His value would, of course, be boosted by a multitude of teams making offers.
The Bengals are on the lookout for help along the defensive front, and they have been connected to a pursuit of the 24-year-old. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Falcons and Cardinals can also be added to that list (subscription required). Atlanta in particular has been “aggressive” in pursuing an edge rush move in general and a potential Ojulari move in particular, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Falcons have previously been named as a team to watch regarding an addition along the edge, with the Matt Judon acquisition not yielding high-end production and injuries emerging elsewhere at that spot. Lorenzo Carter is currently on injured reserve, and Atlanta could certainly use at least a depth contributor in his absence (although Ojulari would be expected to handle first-team duties upon arrival with any number of suitors).
The Cardinals have been hit hard by injuries along the D-line this year, so adding along the edge would be a sensible move (and one which Schefter confirms is in play). General manager Monti Ossenfort spoke about his trade deadline plans yesterday, and he confirmed he has explored deals which could help add production in the pass-rush department. With six sacks this year and 22 in his career, Ojulari would be a welcomed addition for Arizona as the team looks to remain atop the NFC West.
Given his status as a rental, the Giants may not be on track to land signficant draft capital in any deal for the former second-rounder. While the team is believed to be setting a high asking price for Ojulari – along with veteran receiver Darius Slayton – Russini’s colleague Dan Duggan notes a fifth-round pick represents the best-case scenario for New York at this point. A lone Day 3 selection may tempt the front office to risk a free agent departure and a resultant 2026 compensatory pick, but a team confident in extending Ojulari (as the Bears did last year with Montez Sweat, for instance) could be willing to pay a higher price.
Much of the speculation and deals during the 2024 season have revolved around the receiver position, but the edge rush market figures to be worth watching closely in advance of the deadline. Ojulari in particular should be the subject of many more conversations between the Giants and teams looking for a second-half boost on defense.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/2/24
Today’s minor NFL moves including standard gameday practice squad elevations for Sunday’s slate of games:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: DL Ben Stille
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: CB Natrone Brooks, DE Demone Harris
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: NT Josh Tupou, DE Chris Wormley
Carolina Panthers
- Signed to active roster: TE Jordan Matthews
- Elevated: CB Caleb Farley, WR Deven Thompkins
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: T Jake Curhan, CB Reddy Steward
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: T Devin Cochran, WR Kendric Pryor
Cleveland Browns
- Elevated: DT Sam Kamara
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Kwon Alexander, FB Michael Burton
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: LB Abraham Beauplan, DL Chris Smith
- Elevated: OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad, TE Shane Zylstra
- Released: TE Parker Hesse
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: CB Kamal Hadden
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: WR Elijah Cooks, WR Austin Trammell
- Placed on IR: WR Christian Kirk (story)
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed to active roster: TE Peyton Hendershot
- Placed on IR: TE Jared Wiley
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: LB Elias Neal, P Ty Zentner
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: DT Neil Farrell, LS Matt Overton
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: S Millard Bradford, CB Shemar Jean-Charles, RB Jordan Mims
- Elevated: CB Tre Herndon, S Roderic Teamer
- Placed on IR: WR Bub Means, RB Kendre Miller
- Waived: G Kyle Hergel
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: TE E.J. Jenkins
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: CB Justin Hardee, RB Joshua Kelley, WR Bryce Oliver
- Elevated: C Corey Levin, QB Trevor Siemian
- Placed on IR: OL Andrew Rupcich
- Waived: TE Thomas Odukoya
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Falcons Place Ruke Orhorhoro On IR
The Falcons have placed defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro on injured reserve, according to The Athletic’s Josh Kendall, sidelining the rookie for at least four weeks.
Orhorhoro injured his ankle in Week 8 against the Buccaneers, a disappointing setback after he finally saw his first NFL action at the beginning of October. His debut was delayed by healthy inactive designations in Weeks 1-4 as the 35th overall pick acclimated to the pros. He recorded just five tackles across his four appearances this year while playing no more than a third of the Falcons’ defensive snaps in each game.
Atlanta was not relying heavily on their second-round pick, with a deep defensive line group headlined by Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett. Veterans Eddie Goldman and David Onyemata have started alongside Garrett, with Zach Harrison, Kentavius Street, and Ta’Quon Graham all filling rotational roles. Fourth-rounder Brandon Dorlus could be in line for his NFL debut after spending the first eight weeks on the sidelines as a healthy scratch.
The Falcons signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to fill Orhorhoro’s spot on the 53-man roster, per Kendall. The veteran started all 17 games for Atlanta in 2022 and led the team with 159 tackles, though that was in a different defense than the one currently ran by head coach Raheem Morris.
Linebacker Kaden Elliss has started every game for the Falcons this season, with Nathan Landman and 2022 second-rounder Troy Andersen splitting time next to him. Evans will bring more of a veteran presence to Atlanta’s linebacker room as they attempt to maintain their lead in the NFC South.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/30/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB Milo Eifler, DL Anthony Goodlow
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
- Released: OL Matthew Cindric
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: WR Dax Milne
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: RB Jake Funk
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Kendall Williamson
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: DE Shakel Brown
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: RB Jacob Kibodi
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Garret Greenfield
New York Jets
- Released: S Jaylen Key
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OL Braeden Daniels
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Aaron Shampklin
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Michael Dowell
- Released: LB Jamie Sheriff.
Falcons Designate Drew Dalman For Return
The Falcons have been without their starting center since a Week 3 Sunday-night loss to the Chiefs. It does not appear Atlanta will be missing its pivot much longer.
Drew Dalman is back at practice, receiving an official return designation Wednesday. This will start Dalman’s 21-day activation clock, giving him an onramp to return — provided an extended one should be necessary. Dalman has been down with an ankle injury. The Falcons are in good shape in terms of injury activations, holding six.
On an O-line that features three first-round picks and a second-rounder, Dalman stands out due to being a former Day 3 investment. The 2021 fourth-rounder (out of Stanford) became a Falcons starter to open his second season, replacing Matt Hennessy at center for the Falcons. Dalman, 26, has started 34 games since winning the job in 2022.
In addition to the Falcons being set to benefit from their center’s return, Dalman has a closing argument to make in terms of a second contract. The Falcons have some major investments up front, having Jake Matthews on a third contract and both Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary on second pacts. While some flexibility exists for the team — especially considering Kirk Cousins‘ post-2024 future, which some around the league classify as murky — Dalman may well be set to audition for a free agency bid.
Primary Dalman replacement Ryan Neuzil ranks as Pro Football Focus’ third-lowest-graded center this season, logging 236 snaps in relief of the starter. PFF slotted Dalman third last season, illustrating the upgrade the Falcons (5-3) could make up front as they vie for their first division title since 2016.
2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team
With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.
Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:
- San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
- Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
- New England Patriots: $36.61MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
- Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
- Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
- Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
- Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
- Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
- Houston Texans: $6.01MM
- New York Jets: $5.1MM
- Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
- Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
- New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
- Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
- New York Giants: $1.51MM
- Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM
Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise. 
San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.
Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.
That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.
While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.
The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/26/24
Saturdays minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: DL Ben Stille, CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: CB Natrone Brooks, DE Demone Harris
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Elevated: CB Bump Cooper Jr.
- Placed on IR: CB T.J. Tampa
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: DT Eli Ankou, WR Jalen Virgil
Chicago Bears
- Activated from IR: RB Travis Homer, DE Jacob Martin
- Elevated: S Tarvarius Moore
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: CB Amani Oruwariye
- Elevated: RB Dalvin Cook (story)
- Placed on IR: TE John Stephens (story)
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Kwon Alexander, G Calvin Throckmorton
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad, TE Shane Zylstra
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: CB Robert Rochell
Houston Texans
- Elevated: FB Troy Hairston
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Montrell Washington
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: QB Carter Bradley, TE Justin Shorter
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Jaylen Johnson, WR Jalen Reagor
New England Patriots
- Elevated: LB Ochaun Mathis
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: S Ugo Amadi
- Elevated: WR Equanimeous St. Brown, S Roderic Teamer
- Waived: RB Jordan Mims
New York Jets
- Elevated: OL Alec Lindstrom, S Jarius Monroe
Philadelphia Eagles
- Activated from IR: WR Ainias Smith
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: S Adrian Amos, K Anders Carlson
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from IR: S Jerrick Reed II
- Elevated: CB Faion Hicks, CB Josh Jobe
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Activated from IR: WR Rakim Jarrett
- Elevated: QB Michael Pratt
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally, WR Mason Kinsey, T John Ojukwu
- Elevated: RB Joshua Kelley, QB Trevor Siemian
- Placed on IR: T Jaelyn Duncan
- Waived: OLB Caleb Murphy
QB Rumors: Falcons, Daniels, Rams, Titans
The Falcons‘ offseason quarterback plan drew considerable scrutiny, and evaluators are skeptical the team will carry it out. Kirk Cousins, who sits third in the NFL with 1,830 passing yards (highlighted by a 500-yard showing against the Buccaneers), is entrenched as Atlanta’s starting QB presently. Though, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes some around the league do not believe the Falcons will sit No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. for two seasons like they have planned to do. A Penix push toward a 2025 starting job would stand to bring forth Cousins trade rumors.
While nothing concrete has emerged on the Cousins front, this is not the first time execs have predicted a 2025 Falcons QB trade. Some in May predicted the long-rumored Cousins-Kyle Shanahan reunion would commence — if the 49ers become squeamish on a Brock Purdy megadeal. The Falcons have Cousins signed through 2027, though they have a clear out in 2026 — after $90MM of his $100MM guarantee will have been paid out. Penix, however, is already 24. Sitting the southpaw prospect until his age-26 season would not be optimal for the Falcons. Cousins’ 2025 money is fully guaranteed, which will be challenging for a trade. But if Penix’s development moves this situation toward a potential 2025 controversy, expect another offseason of Cousins rumors.
Here is the latest from the QB ranks:
- Jayden Daniels did not practice Wednesday, moving Marcus Mariota closer to making his first start since 2022. The rib injury the Commanders QB sustained is not considered serious, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, but it would also not surprise — given the way Daniels winced after trying to return in Week 7 — if Washington exercised caution with the player who has a great chance of being the team’s first long-term QB1 in decades. Mariota played effectively against the Panthers but has not made a start since his controversial Falcons exit in December 2022.
- The Titans have not seen their Will Levis development project produce notable strides. Crippling turnovers have played a key role in Tennessee’s 1-5 start, and Levis is now leading with a shoulder injury. Among qualified options, the 2023 second-rounder ranks ahead of only Deshaun Watson in QBR. As such, SI.com’s Albert Breer guesses the franchise will go into 2025 with an objective to find a new quarterback. It is still early, but at this rate, Tennessee giving Levis a third year to prove he can be a locked-in starter would be a reach. Ran Carthon‘s club would be an interesting destination, given the resources allocated to upgrading the offensive talent level around Levis this offseason.
- Ditto the Rams, who have Matthew Stafford on a year-to-year arrangement. The Rams have not dangled Stafford in trades this year, separating the 16th-year veteran from Cooper Kupp, but they also did not authorize significant guarantee upgrades — like the QB sought — beyond 2024. As a result, Breer adds the team should be considered in play to draft Stafford’s heir apparent next year. Los Angeles is running out of time to land a successor who would develop behind Stafford, who is signed through 2026. Adding assets to help with that potential mission could be on the team’s mind now, as a Kupp trade would go toward that haul. The Rams and Chiefs discussed Kupp, but L.A.’s asking price — a second-rounder — may be steep for a player who has battled injuries in each of the seasons since his transcendent 2021.
- Aaron Rodgers does not appear in jeopardy of missing Week 8, but the Jets quarterback is now on the team’s injury report with three maladies. The 40-year-old starter is battling hamstring, knee and ankle maladies. Rodgers’ hamstring “flared up” against the Steelers, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini tweets.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/22/24
Here are today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Phillip Dorsett
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: OL Andrew Raym
- Released: OLB Shaq Lawson, DT Jayden Peevy
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: T Andrew Coker
- Released: DT Domenique Davis
Detroit Lions
- Signed: S Erick Hallet
Green Bay Packers
- Released: TE Andrew Beck
Houston Texans
- Signed: RB Jawhar Jordan
- Released: OL Arlington Hambright
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: QB Chris Oladokun, WR Cornell Powell
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Terrace Marshall, TE Trevon Wesco
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: TE Robert Tonyan
New England Patriots
- Released: LS Tucker Addington
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: DT Breiden Fehoko
Seattle Seahawks
- Released: CB Eric Garror
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: T Isaiah Prince
Washington Commanders
- Signed: S Ben Nikkel, WR Mike Strachan
- Released: S Sheldrick Redwine
Prince played under Brian Callahan in Cincinnati but has only played two games over the past two seasons. A six-game starter with the Dolphins and Bengals, Prince missed all of the 2020 season due to a COVID-19 opt-out and then all of the 2022 season due to injury.
The Vikings cut Tonyan from their 53-man roster earlier today, but because the NFC North mainstay is a vested veteran, he did not need to clear waivers before joining Minnesota’s practice squad. With T.J. Hockenson on the way back, Tonyan profiles as insurance.
This is a third chance for Marshall. The Panthers waived him after three seasons. No team claimed the former second-round pick, with Joe Brady‘s Bills passing. The 49ers took a flier soon after but released him last week.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/21/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Rashaan Evans, OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr.
- Released: OT Coy Cronk, OLB Monty Rice
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: K Spencer Shrader
- Released: RB Trent Pennix
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Trishton Jackson, LB Calvin Munson
- Released: TE N’Keal Harry
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: CB Tariq Castro-Fields
- Placed on IR: WR John Ross