Ravens Trade Defensive Lineman C.J. Okoye to Giants for 2028 Seventh-Round Pick
The Baltimore Ravens have traded defensive lineman C.J. Okoye to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick.
The Trade
The Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants have agreed to a trade, with the Ravens sending defensive lineman C.J. Okoye to the Giants in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, according to NFL Media and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Okoye, who entered the league through the International Player Pathway Program, spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons on the Chargers' practice squad before joining the Ravens in 2025. He played in 15 games during the 2025 season, recording 15 tackles and a pass breakup.
The trade helps the Ravens reach the 53-player roster limit by Sunday’s deadline, while the Giants gain additional depth at the defensive tackle position.
Okoye's Background
C.J. Okoye originally entered the NFL in 2022 through the International Player Pathway Program, initially projected to play offensive line. He was assigned to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, where he spent two years on the practice squad.
In 2025, Okoye signed a reserve/future contract with the Ravens and was called up to the active roster. He made his first appearance in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs and went on to play in 15 games, recording 15 combined tackles and one quarterback hit.
Okoye's journey has been marked by rapid growth and adaptation. He told ESPN's Leonard Solms, 'I feel like I've still got more to do; I've still got more growing to do - but I'm learning right now and I'm picking it up. I feel like I've still got more to give and I just want to win.'
Impact on Both Teams
For the Ravens, trading Okoye helps them manage their roster ahead of the 53-player limit. With Nnamdi Madubuike returning from injury and Rayshaun Benny added as a late-round draft pick, Okoye was likely to be out of the defensive line rotation.
The Giants, on the other hand, are addressing a pressing need at defensive tackle. Head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Okoye in Baltimore, is familiar with the player's capabilities. The Giants' defensive interior prior to the trade included Shelby Harris, D.J. Reader, Josh Tupou, and rookies Bobby Jamison-Travis, Anquin Barnes Jr., and Ben Barten.
While not a major trade, Okoye provides the Giants with a player who has shown promise and could contribute to improving their run defense, which allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL last season.