With NFL teams looking to solidify their 53-man rosters ahead of the start of the 2026 season, roster cuts and trades are essentially destined to happen.
While a player might not have a spot with their current team, another franchise may use some of its resources to acquire that said player before they hit the waiver wire or the free agent market, ensuring they get a guy they believe could help their team moving forward.
Former UNC standout Joshua Ezeudu has been with the New York Giants since they drafted him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but his future with the franchise has been up in the air. Clarity was provided on Tuesday night when the Giants found a trade partner for the former Tar Heel.
Former Tar Heel Joshua Ezeudu traded to the Kansas City Chiefs
Ezeudu will now be tasked with helping protect Patrick Mahomes, as his trade destination takes him to Kansas City to join the Chiefs organization.
The Giants acquired a 2028 seventh-round pick for the former Tar Heel, marking the second time this week that the franchise dipped into its offensive line depth to acquire future draft capital.
Trade! Chiefs acquiring guard Joshua Ezeudu from Giants in exchange for 2028 seventh-round pick, per @MikeGarafolo + @RapSheet https://t.co/oaxntnBYSM pic.twitter.com/igzWK3UZl2
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 26, 2026
The Giants selected Ezeudu in the third round with the 67th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder appeared in 33 games with 10 starts during his first three active NFL seasons with the Big Blue.
Ezeudu has experience across the offensive line, having played significant snaps at both guard and tackle. Primarily used on the left side of the offensive line, the Giants had him working at both right guard and tackle throughout the preseason, hoping that a more specific role would help him get back on track.
Even though he was sidelined for the 2025 season due to injury, the Giants still re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason. Now, the franchise has decided that it is time to move on, sending him to another franchise that wants to get a closer look at what he could bring to the table.
This move is one that makes sense for both sides. For the Giants, Ezeudu was likely going to be released, so you are better off getting something in return for letting him go. In the case of the Chiefs, you send a late-round pick to secure a guy you think can actually make an impact on your team, allowing you some extra time to get him to training camp to see what he's capable of doing.
A fresh start might just be all Joshua Ezeudu needs.
Tar Heel fans know how good he is along the offensive line. While he did struggle a bit during his time with the Giants, there's no question that he can still be the absolute wall he was while he was protecting Sam Howell in Chapel Hill. The hope is that the Chiefs will be that franchise that not only unlocks his potential, but becomes his future home for many years to come.
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