The New York Giants acquired defensive tackle CJ Okoye from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, according to team announcements. Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed the transaction, bringing the 24-year-old defensive lineman to New York as the team works to solidify its interior defensive line depth ahead of upcoming roster cuts.
Giants Trade a 2028 Seventh-Round Pick for CJ Okoye
The trade sends Okoye from Baltimore to New York just ahead of the NFL’s initial 53-man roster cut-down deadline. According to reports from the Associated Press and ESPN, the Giants utilized an extra seventh-round pick in the 2028 draft—acquired earlier in the week when they traded offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs—to complete the deal with Baltimore.
For Okoye, the move marks a reunion with Harbaugh, who coached him in Baltimore last season. The 6-foot-6, 365-pound defensive lineman appeared in 13 games for the Ravens last year, recording 15 tackles, including one tackle for loss, during his first action in the league.
John Harbaugh Details Okoye’s Role and Development
Speaking on a video call with reporters, Harbaugh outlined what the Giants expect from the young defender. “We see him as an inside defender, defensive tackle, A-gap, B-gap player, run stopper, pocket pusher, in terms of the pass game, and just a real big, physical player,” Harbaugh said, as reported by the Associated Press. “A type of guy we’ve been looking for, and we’re really excited to get him up here.”
Okoye entered the NFL through the league’s International Player Pathway Program, initially spending time with the Los Angeles Chargers—coached by John’s brother, Jim Harbaugh—before landing in Baltimore. “A guy who had been a developmental type guy learning the game,” John Harbaugh noted. “Tremendous physical skills, hard worker, has really dedicated himself over the last few years to learning the game, really, because he didn’t play it growing up and made great strides.”
Roster Context and Offseason Changes in New York
The addition of Okoye addresses a clear point of emphasis for the Giants’ front office. Following an offseason that included trading Dexter Lawrence to Cincinnati for the 10th overall pick in the draft, and with a run defense that ranked second-worst in the league last season, New York has aggressively reshaped its defensive front. The team also added veteran defensive tackles D.J. Reader and Shelby Harris.
Okoye becomes the latest former Raven to join New York’s roster, following tight end Isaiah Likely, punter Jordan Stout, defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, and fullback Patrick Ricard. The trade represents the third deal executed by the Giants over a two-week span, following a trade sending guard Daniel Faalele to Jacksonville for a sixth-round pick next year alongside the Ezeudu deal with Kansas City.
Next Steps for Roster Cuts
All NFL teams must trim their active rosters to the mandatory 53-player limit. The Giants continue evaluating their remaining roster bubbles, including wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., ahead of the league-wide deadline.
