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.
Will McFadden
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 Cunninghamsaid 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, Ojularihas excellent lengthand 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," Ojularisaid of his play styleafter 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 our2026 Free Agency Trackerto stay up to date on the Falcons in free agency.
Up Next
Videos
Free Agency Frenzy! Get to know the newest Atlanta Falcons | Atlanta Falcons Podcast
Videos
Jahan Dotson, Chris Williams & others on the excitement of joining the Falcons | Press Conference
Videos
Tua Tagovailoa highlights | 2026 Free Agency
Videos
General Manager Ian Cunningham on additions made to Falcons roster in Free Agency | Press Conference
Videos
Austin Hooper, Christian Harris & Nick Folk on joining the Falcons in Free Agency | Press Conference
Videos
Austin Hooper highlights | 2026 Free Agency
Videos
Coming Soon | April 2026
Videos
2026 Atlanta Falcons Girls Flag Football Week | Highlights from inaugural celebration
Videos
Judy Battista, Danny Kelly, & more talk Atlanta Falcons at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
Videos
Ian Cunningham and Kevin Stefanski speak to local Atlanta media at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
Videos
Atlanta Falcons HC Kevin Stefanski talks roster building, player evaluation at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine
Videos
Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Kevin Stefanski 2026 NFL Scouting Combine Press Conference | LIVE
Videos
Atlanta Falcons GM Ian Cunningham speaks to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine | Press conference
Videos
Atlanta Falcons GM Ian Cunningham talks Kyle Pitts, Kirk Cousins, & more at 2026 NFL Combine
Videos
How the NFL Scouting Combine translates to on-field success | Atlanta Falcons
Videos
Atlanta Falcons name their 2025 International Fan of the Year | NFL
Videos
Craig Aukerman named Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator | Exclusive interview
Videos
On The Rise | S6E1 | Stefanski and Cunningham spark a new era
Videos
Jeff Ulbrich exclusive interview in his second year as Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator
Videos
Tommy Rees exclusive interview as Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator
Videos
2026 Atlanta Falcons loading | A new era begins this offseason
Videos
Coordinators Tommy Rees, Jeff Ulbrich & Craig Aukerman Press Conference
Videos
Matt Ryan discusses hopes for Falcons' future during tenure as president of football operations 'NFL Honors Red Carpet'
Videos
Bijan Robinson reflects on his breakout season 'NFL Honors Red Carpet'
Videos
What the Atlanta Falcons offensive scheme could look like under Stefanski & Rees | Film Review
Videos
What is the evolving identity of the 2026 Atlanta Falcons? | Offseason Update
Videos
Why the Falcons chose Ian Cunningham & how the offense will look under Tommy Rees | Falcons Audible
Videos
Chris Lindstrom is mic'd up at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games
Videos
Road to a Championship | A girls flag football story
Videos
General Manager Ian Cunningham Introductory Press Conference | Atlanta Falcons
Videos
Ian Cunningham exclusive interview as Atlanta Falcons general manager
Videos
Two-time pro bowler Bijan Robinson is mic'd up at the 2026 Pro Bowl Games
Videos
New Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham arrives in Atlanta
Videos
KhaDarel Hodge shares his HBCU journey
Videos
2025 Rookie Class Highlights | Top plays from Atlanta Falcons defensive rookies
Videos
Kyle Pitts 2025 Highlights | Top plays from Atlanta Falcons 2025 season
Videos
Kevin Stefanski introductory interview as Atlanta Falcons head coach
Videos
Drake London's top plays from the 2025 season
Videos
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Introductory Press Conference | Atlanta Falcons
Videos
Cinematic Season Recap | Top cinematic moments of the 2025 season
