Giants Trade Josh Ezeudu to Chiefs for 2028 Seventh-Round Draft Pick

The New York Giants have traded offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round selection.

The New York Giants traded offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick. Ezeudu, who was a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft out of North Carolina, joins a Kansas City roster seeking interior protection. The 6-foot-4 lineman started 10 games at both guard and tackle for New York between 2022 and 2024, though he spent the entirety of the 2023 season on injured reserve.

Before the trade was finalized, Ezeudu had been sidelined for the Giants' two most recent practices following a leg injury sustained during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Despite the injury, Giants coach John Harbaugh characterized the ailment as minor, and sources indicate the lineman is expected to return to the field in time for Week 1 of the regular season. This move marks the second time within a week that New York has moved an offensive lineman, following the trade of guard Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2027 sixth-round pick.

Kansas City Addresses Interior Depth Concerns

The Chiefs entered the late preseason with specific concerns regarding the depth behind starting left guard Kingsley Suamataia and starting right guard Trey Smith. Prior to acquiring Ezeudu, Mike Caliendo, a three-year veteran, was the only backup on the interior roster possessing significant NFL experience. During the early stages of the preseason, Kansas City utilized Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie right tackle from Indiana, as the primary backup at right guard while Smith recovered from a hip injury.

Kansas City did not select any offensive linemen during the most recent draft, despite holding nine total selections. This occurred after the franchise traded All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a package of four draft picks. Aside from Caliendo, the only other interior lineman to seemingly secure a spot on the initial 53-man roster is Hunter Nourzad, a second-year player serving as the backup to All-Pro center Creed Humphrey.

New York Giants Roster Strategy

Coach John Harbaugh emphasized on Monday that accumulating draft capital is a "valuable thing" for the organization. The Giants are actively seeking opportunities to leverage depth at specific positions to gain future assets. Harbaugh noted that the team is deep in a few areas, allowing them to facilitate these transactions. The front office feels comfortable with the remaining interior options, including veteran reserve Aaron Stinnie and backup centers Lucas Patrick and Bryan Hudson, both of whom have shown the ability to slide into guard roles.

Ezeudu signed a one-year contract with the Giants this past offseason and spent the majority of the summer training at right tackle before recently moving back inside to guard. His departure reflects New York's confidence in their current developmental path at the position. The team intends to continue exploring similar trades if opportunities arise to maximize the value of their roster surplus.

Impact on Chiefs Offensive Line Rotation

By adding Ezeudu, the Chiefs gain a player who has experience at multiple positions along the line. His versatility at both tackle and guard provides a safety net for a unit that has relied heavily on inexperienced rookies like Benson during the summer months. With Week 1 approaching, the acquisition ensures that Kansas City has a veteran presence capable of stepping in for Smith or Suamataia if health issues persist. The trade was officially reported at 10:34 PM ET on Tuesday, marking a significant adjustment to the Chiefs' final roster construction.