Azeez Ojulari, the newest member of the Eagles, who signed a 1-year, $4 million contract on Monday met with media Wednesday morning. After spending the first four years of his career with the division rival New York Giants, Ojulari expressed his excitement joining the defending Super Bowl Champs for the upcoming season.
“I feel like it’s amazing and I’m still learning and continuing to grow. I think it’s going to be a great fit (playing in Vic Fangio’s defense). Watching how dominant they were and saw how they got after the Chiefs, I feel like it will be great.“
Ojulari has dealt with injuries throughout his young career, but at just 24, he still has a lot of potential and room to grow. The former second round pick out of Georgia has played in 11 games in each of the last two seasons, only 7 in 2022. He played a full season his rookie year back in 2021. He has shown the ability to get to the quarterback despite missing significant time, racking up 22 sacks in 46 career games.
“I have been having up and downs with injuries, so I’m trying to put that behind me and do everything I can this year to be 100% healthy. Keep attacking each day at a time. Just prove to myself I can be out there for all 17 games and do whatever I can to do that,” Ojulari said.
The newest member of the Eagles defense feels like he can bring a lot to a defense that has lost pass rushers Josh Sweat (signed with Arizona) and Brandon Graham who officially announced his retirement on Tuesday. He isn’t sure what is role will be with the Eagles but he is looking to do whatever is necessary.
“I feel like I’m a versatile player. I’m a physical guy I don’t shy away from contact. I’m an attack first type mentality guy. Can set the edge, I can tackle, I can rush passer, I can bend. I feel like I can do it all. I’m still meeting the coaches, but I’m ready to come in and compete. I’m a hard worker and looking to continue to learn and do whatever it is to help the team win.“
Ojulari is yet another Georgia Bulldog on the roster now for the Eagles, bringing the total up to seven. Smiling about the fact of reuniting with his college teammates, the EDGE said one particular Bulldog is like a sibling which can help ease his transition to the Eagles.
“Nolan (Smith) is my brother for real. All of them are my brothers, but Nolan and I, we have been in the same room since Georgia. Probably a little bit closer with him, but we all have that brotherhood and great relationship. I’m just excited to be here.”
Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
