Full Breakdown
Giants Acquire Defensive Tackle C.J. Okoye from Ravens for 2028 Seventh-Round Pick
8/29/2026, 7:52:23 PM
Core Transaction
The New York Giants received defensive tackle C.J. Okoye from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft selection. The trade was confirmed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. The move reunites Okoye with Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who coached him during his final season in Baltimore.
Background & Context
Okoye entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. After two practice-squad seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, he signed a reserve/future contract with Baltimore in January 2025 and was promoted to the active roster in October 2025. In his rookie season with the Ravens, he appeared in 13 games, recording 15 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pass deflection, a quarterback hit and a fumble recovery in the preseason finale against Washington.
The Giants entered the 2026 preseason with a thin interior defensive line after trading veteran Dexter Lawrence and dealing with an injury to Roy Robertson-Harris. Adding a nose tackle familiar with Harbaugh’s system was seen as a low-cost solution.
Data & Statistics
- Height/weight: 6 ft 6 in, 365-370 lb.
- 2025 season (Ravens): 13 games, 15 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 pass deflection, 1 QB hit.
- Giants’ 2026 preseason run defense: 3.6 yards per rush attempt (8th-best league average), tied for 14th in runs of 10+ yards allowed.
Official Statements & Responses
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said the trade avoided the risk of losing Okoye on final-cut waivers while securing a future draft asset.
Why It Matters
The trade addresses the Giants’ interior-line shortage and leverages an existing coach-player relationship, potentially speeding Okoye’s integration. For the Ravens, it clears a roster spot ahead of the cut-down deadline and recovers a draft pick.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Another John Harbaugh reunion: The Giants are trading for DT C.J. Okoye, sending a 2028 7th-rounder to the Ravens for the former International Player Pathway participant,” — Mike Garafolo, NFL Network
- “John Harbaugh gets back one of his former players, who the coaches are pretty excited about,” — Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Timeline
- June 20, 2026 – Connor Burke publishes his assessment of Okoye’s future role.
- Later in August 2026 – Trade announced; Ravens receive a 2028 seventh-round pick, Giants acquire Okoye.
- Sunday, pre-season deadline – Both clubs finalize 53-man rosters, with the Giants confirming Okoye’s addition.
