Giants acquire Ravens defensive lineman following preseason fumble
ClutchPoints · Josh Davis · 2026-08-29T14:49:05+00:00 · nguồn gốc
The New York Giants are acquiring defensive lineman CJ Okoye from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick as both teams make roster moves ahead of Sunday’s 53-man deadline.
The deal reunites Okoye with Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who coached the 24-year-old defensive tackle in Baltimore last season before Jesse Minter took over as the Ravens' new head coach.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the move Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, alongside colleague Mike Garafolo, detailing the compensation and Okoye’s unique path to the NFL.
“The #Ravens are trading defensive lineman C.J. Okoye to the #Giants in exchange for a 2028 7th round pick, per me and @MikeGarafolo .
An intriguing DL addition from the Nigerian player who signed through the International Player Pathway Program.”
The #Ravens are trading defensive lineman C.J. Okoye to the #Giants in exchange for a 2028 7th round pick, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
An intriguing DL addition from the Nigerian player who signed through the International Player Pathway Program. pic.twitter.com/pSN5ceySB5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2026
Okoye brings imposing size and developmental upside to a Giants defensive front that underwent significant turnover during the offseason. The 6-foot-6, roughly 365-pound lineman appeared in 13 games for Baltimore in 2025, recording 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection across 214 defensive snaps.
His final preseason appearance with the Ravens came Friday vs. the Washington Commanders. Okoye recovered a fumble forced by Ethan Burke during Baltimore’s 41-3 victory before news of the trade surfaced the following morning.
The move also continues an unconventional football journey for the Nigerian-born defender. Okoye entered the league through the International Player Pathway Program after participating in Osi Umenyiora’s Uprise initiative and NFL development programs. He initially joined the Los Angeles Chargers before moving to the Ravens in 2025.
For the Giants, the transaction adds another interior option following the offseason departure of Dexter Lawrence. The reported agreement remains pending official club transaction announcements, with the Giants sending the Ravens a future seventh-round selection as Sunday’s roster deadline approaches.