Giants Trade Joshua Ezeudu to Chiefs for 2028 Seventh-Round Pick

The New York Giants traded offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, as reported by Ian Rapoport and Jordan Schultz of NFL Media and confirmed by multiple outlets. The move adds depth to Kansas City's offensive line and clears a roster spot for the Giants ahead of their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13.

Ezeudu, 26, was selected by the Giants in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, where he earned All-ACC honors. During his tenure with New York, he appeared in 33 games with 10 starts, though he did not play a snap in the 2025 season after suffering a calf injury that landed him on injured reserve. The Giants re-signed Ezeudu to a one-year contract in March, with reports of the deal's value varying between $1.145 million and $1.3 million.

Ezeudu's most recent action came in a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, where he played 58 snaps. He was kicked in the back of the leg during that contest, and head coach John Harbaugh described his status as day-to-day. Despite the injury, Ezeudu had been working with the first-team offensive line as a backup, listed behind Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle.

The trade marks the second time in less than a week that the Giants have moved a lineman for draft capital. Last week, they sent offensive guard Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2027 sixth-round pick. The moves suggest a desire to add future assets while trimming the roster ahead of the 53-man cutdown deadline.

For the Chiefs, Ezeudu provides much-needed depth on the offensive line, particularly at right guard behind starter Trey Smith. Kansas City has been looking to shore up its interior line, and Ezeudu's versatility—having played both guard and tackle—makes him a flexible addition.

Ezeudu's development had been uneven since arriving in New York. He showed promise as a rookie guard, but a move to tackle in 2023 proved difficult, and he struggled with consistency and confidence. The Giants moved him back to guard this offseason, where he appeared to regain some form. The trade also adds $80,000 in dead salary cap space for the Giants, according to one report.

In the wake of the trade, the Giants' offensive line depth includes Aaron Banks, Jake Kubas, and rookies Kingsley Suamataia and Mekhi Becton, among others. The team opens its regular season against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.