The New York Giants have traded offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. The move comes just days before the NFL's roster cutdown deadline. This is the second time in a week the Giants have traded a backup offensive lineman on the roster bubble for draft compensation.
Ezeudu, who was a 2022 third-round selection, did not play last season despite being healthy enough to return from injured reserve late in the year. He re-signed with the Giants on a one-year, $1.145 million free agent contract earlier this year. The trade is expected to create $80,000 in dead salary cap space for the Giants.
Originally drafted as a guard, Ezeudu transitioned to tackle in 2023. He struggled with the position change and lost confidence during that season. However, he began to show flashes of his potential again this summer after being moved back to guard. He had been considered a candidate to be kept as part of a potentially deep offensive line group that might require the Giants to carry 10 players at the position.
Ezeudu was unavailable for practice this week after sustaining a leg injury during Saturday's preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach John Harbaugh described his condition as day-to-day.
Last week, the Giants also traded guard Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2027 sixth-round pick, signaling a shift in their approach to managing their offensive line depth and prioritizing future draft assets.