The New York Giants have traded for defensive lineman C.J. Okoye from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. This pick was obtained by the Giants last week when they traded offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs. Okoye, who is 6-foot-6 and weighs 365 pounds, is expected to contribute to the Giants' defensive line rotation alongside starters DJ Reader and Shelby Harris.
Head coach John Harbaugh commented on Okoye's development, stating, "Had been a developmental-type guy learning the game, tremendous physical skills, hard worker, really dedicated himself over the last few years to learning the game." Okoye, 24, played in 13 games during his rookie season in 2025, recording 15 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection. His former defensive line coach with the Ravens, Dennis Johnson, is now with the Giants, which may aid Okoye's transition.
Okoye's addition does not eliminate the Giants' need for further depth on their defensive line. Darius Alexander, a third-round pick in 2025, has not progressed as expected, and rookie Bobby Jamison-Travis may not be ready for regular-season play. The Giants have also had to utilize Chauncey Golston in a different role due to a lack of depth at defensive tackle.
Okoye's journey to New York included a travel mishap, as he mistakenly took a train to Penn Station instead of Newark, New Jersey. Harbaugh noted the commonality of such mistakes.
In related news, the Giants released eight players on Saturday in preparation for the final roster cut down to 53, including defensive lineman Leki Fotu and wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, who had been with the team since 2022. Other players released include cornerback Ugo Amadi, running back Damon Bankston, tight end Josiah Deguara, offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes, linebacker Anfernee Orji, and wide receiver Kobe Prentice.