THE Atlanta Falcons were often linked to New York Giants outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari as Tuesday’s trade deadline approached, but the Giants opted to keep the standout passer.

Ojulari has six sacks and nine quarterback hits in nine games this season. The 24-year-old has started four games for New York this season, collecting 26 tackles and seven tackles for loss.

Meanwhile, Atlanta’s pass rush ranks last in the NFL with nine sacks, making them the only team with single-digit sacks as the schedule moves to Week 10.

The Falcons had been linked to the 6’3″, 240-pound Ojulari in the days leading up to the trade deadline, with ESPN noting Saturday that Atlanta was expected to pursue a trade for Ojulari.

However, that was not articulated – and the Falcons are now wondering what could have happened to Ojulari.

Since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2021, Ojulari has 22 career sacks in 44 games. He had eight as a rookie, 5.5 in 2022 and 2.5 in 2023 before his strong start to the season.

Atlanta’s pass rush has struggled mightily this season. After losing their primary sack artists from last year – outside linebacker Bud Dupree and defensive end Calais Campbell with 5.5 sacks each – in free agency this offseason, the Falcons were unable to generate consistent pressure and to finish plays on the quarterback.

Ojulari had a chance to be the solution – but instead, he’ll be finishing out the final year of his contract in New York.