Giants Trade Guard Joshua Ezeudu to Chiefs for 2028 Draft Pick

The New York Giants traded guard Joshua Ezeudu to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL Draft, according to a league source who spoke anonymously to The Athletic.

Ezeudu, a 26-year-old third-round pick from North Carolina in 2022, has appeared in 33 games and started 10 during his three seasons with the Giants. He missed the entire 2025 season due to a calf injury.

The versatile offensive lineman has filled multiple roles, including left tackle when starter Andrew Thomas was injured. Giants head coach John Harbaugh had recently indicated Ezeudu would contribute at multiple positions.

The Kansas City Chiefs, facing limited depth on their interior offensive line during training camp, addressed this by acquiring Ezeudu. Right guard Trey Smith was sidelined with a hip injury, and the team had been shifting players in practice to cover positions.

Chiefs writer Jesse Newell noted the acquisition provides valuable backup depth and flexibility for the team's guard and tackle positions, which had been a concern during camp.

"Ezeudu profiles as some nice insurance and raises the floor of the guard position," Newell said.

For the Giants, trading offensive linemen before the season is notable given their previous struggles in that area. The trade followed the recent deal sending Daniel Faalele to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coach Harbaugh explained the strategy by emphasizing the value of accumulating draft picks and roster flexibility.

"Daniel was doing well for the role he was going to be playing, and yet we have other guys that were doing well, too. So, it was a luxury for us. Any time you can add picks, it’s a valuable thing. It’s a future thing," Harbaugh said.

He added that the Giants are open to more moves if opportunities arise.

The Giants' offensive line starters appear set with Andrew Thomas at left tackle, Jon Runyan Jr. at left guard, John Michael Schmitz at center, Francis Mauigoa at right guard, and Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle. Depth includes Marcus Mbow as swing tackle and Aaron Stinnie as backup guard.

Harbaugh also discussed Ezeudu's positional flexibility, saying, "The position flex is the idea. You may have noticed he went back out to tackle in the fourth quarter, so the ability for him to play both guard and tackle, particularly on the right side, would be helpful for us, and that's our thought." He added, "He's kind of getting to the point now where we feel like he could swing, right tackle, right guard."

Ezeudu had signed a one-year deal with the Giants in March before the trade.