Owa

Odighizuwa

Before training camp, Odighizuwa plans to seek advice from ex-Giant Justin Tuck, who was one of the NFL’s fiercest inside rushers in addition to his left end role in base packages. NJ.com’s Jordan Raanan compares Odighizuwa’s potential usage more to that of Mathias Kiwanuka, an end-linebacker-tackle hybrid in his prime. Odighizuwa is trying to earn rotational snaps behind starters Olivier Vernon, Jason Pierre-Paul, Johnathan Hankins, and Damon “Snacks” Harrison.

Odighizuwa hinted at a possible retirement on Twitter earlier this month, but he admitted he just needed some time away from the game. A couple weeks was apparently enough. He played just 170 defensive snaps last season.

“I don’t think so. I spoke to him but I’d rather not comment,” said Mara. “He’s still on the team.” Odighizuwa suggested he was “taking some time away from the game” earlier this week. He’s since backtracked, but is reportedly dealing with some personal problems. Odighizuwa’s status for OTAs is up in the air.

On Monday, Odighizuwa tweeted he was taking some time “to get away from the game,” and ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported the defensive end was working through some “emotional things.” People close to him also reportedly could not get in contact with Odighizuwa after he sent the tweets on Monday. His NFL status is completely up in the air at this point, but the somewhat erratic behavior suggests that is not the most important issue Odighizuwa is facing right now.

“At the point and time I believe it’s in my best interest to take sometime to get away from the game,” Odighizuwa wrote. The 74th overall pick in the 2015 draft, Odighizuwa was a favorite of the draftnik community coming out of UCLA but failed to earn playing time in the Giants’ defensive line rotation the past two seasons. Only 25, Odighizuwa may consider a comeback down the road.

Odighizuwa tweeted Monday he was going “to take some time to get away from the game.” The announcement reportedly blindsided teammates, and “several” people close to Odighizuwa could not reach him after he sent the tweets, which is concerning considering Raanan reports he is working through some “emotional things.” Odighizuwa was a third-round pick in 2015.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports Owa is still working through “some personal issues.” Odighizuwa reportedly showed up for voluntary workouts in April, but he was not seen at OTAs. The third-year defensive end tweeted he was taking time “away from the game” earlier this offseason. His future is up in the air.

The move comes a day after Odighizuwa was hit with a four-game suspension for a PED violation. A third-round pick in 2015, Odighizuwa said he needed some time “away from the game” this offseason, but he eventually reported back to the Giants. Odighizuwa is talented enough to lock down a roster spot somewhere, but teams will have to feel comfortable with his off-field situation.

Perhaps this explains why 25-year-old Odighizuwa was talking retirement in the spring. The No. 74 overall pick of the 2015 draft, Odighizuwa has been an ineffective role player each of the past two seasons. Giants beat writers believe his 53-man roster spot is in danger.

Odighizuwa tweeted he wanted to “take sometime to get away from the game” in April and then skipped most of the offseason while working through “some personal issues.” Reporting on time for camp is a great sign, but his future remains up in the air. If his heart is in it, Odighizuwa has the talent to be an impact sub behind Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul.