EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (WFAN) -- The linebacker-needy Giants acquired the speedy, productive Alec Ogletree in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
The Giants are reportedly giving up fourth- and sixth-round draft picks this year in exchange for the inside linebacker and a seventh-round pick in 2019. The trade cannot become official until the new league year begins March 14.
A first-round selection out of Georgia in 2013, Ogletree spent five seasons with the Rams, playing in 67 games (all starts) while registering 501 tackles, 5 1/2 sacks and six interceptions.
Last season, Ogletree led the Rams, who ranked fifth against the run, with 95 tackles. He also had two sacks and an interception, which he returned 41 yards for a touchdown. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker has had at least 95 tackles in four of his five NFL seasons, the exception coming in 2015, when he missed 12 games with a broken leg.
Ogletree, 26, reacted to the trade on Twitter, writing: "Everything happens for a reason and GOD makes no mistake!! Can't wait to get to the Big and continue my career as NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANT!! #Blessed #GOGIANTS."
Everything happens for a reason and GOD makes no mistake!! Can't wait to get to the Big -- and continue my career as NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANT!! #Blessed #GOGIANTS
— Alec ogletree (@MROGLETREE52) March 7, 2018Ogletree is the second key defender the Rams have dealt in the past week. They also traded two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Robert Quinn to the Miami Dolphins. Los Angeles is reportedly seeking players who better fit defensive coordinator Wade Phillips' system while clearing salary-cap space.Linebacker is a major need for the Giants, even after the trade. They only had six linebackers under contract, none of whom are especially experienced. B.J. Goodson and Calvin Munson, who combined to start 12 games at middle linebacker last season, will be back. But new defensive coordinator James Bettcher needed at least one more quality inside linebacker for his 3-4 scheme.
The fourth-round pick the Giants are giving up is a compensatory pick, meaning they still own their regular fourth-round selection in April.
