FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have signed free agent defensive end Azeez Ojulari.
A Georgia native who attended high school in Marietta before becoming a star defender for the University of Georgia, Ojulari returns to continue his pro career in his home state. He was selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the New York Giants and recorded eight sacks in his first season, the most ever by a rookie for the franchise.
"He plays hard. He's physical. He's got some rush. He's got long arms. He plays with the tenacity that we're looking for," Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham said of Ojulari. "It gives us a player that fits what 'Brich' looks for in linebackers in terms of the height, weight, speed, but also gives him a chance to come in here and compete for a spot."
Ojulari appeared in 46 games with 30 starts across four seasons for the Giants. He had 22 sacks, 38 quarterback hits, 21 tackles for a loss and 4 forced fumbles in New York before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 2025. The 25-year-old pass rusher played in three games before a hamstring injury ended his season early.
An explosive pass rusher, Ojulari has excellent length and the athleticism to play well in space. Atlanta's defense deployed stand-up rushers at times last season, which is how Ojulari has been used most often in his career.
"I'm definitely relentless," Ojulari said of his play style after the Giants drafted him. "Effort is never a question. I'm an all-around player. I can rush the passer, stop and run, drop in coverage or whatever I have to do to help the team, I can do it."
The Falcons set a franchise record with 57 sacks last season, which ranked second in the NFL. Atlanta's defense now has a few former Georgia Bulldogs on its defense with Ojulari joining Jalon Walker and Channing Tindall.
The NFL's new league year began Wednesday at 4 p.m., meaning teams can now officially sign free agents and finalize trades. Visit our 2026 Free Agency Tracker to stay up to date on the Falcons in free agency.
