Illinois defensive end Oluwole Betiku, Jr. signed a free agent contract with the New York Giants, the team announced Tuesday. 

Betiku declared for the NFL Draft after earning All-Big Ten third team honors during his one season in Champaign. 

Betiku was an All-Big Ten third team (media) finishing his season with 36 tackles, 13.0 TFLs, 9.0 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries. His 9.0 sacks led Illinois and his 13.0 TFL were second on the team despite playing in ten games and missing three with injury.

Betiku was a grad-transfer from USC and earned bachelor's degree in international relations from USC in May 2019 and pursued a master's degree in recreation, sport & tourism at Illinois.

The Giants needed an edge rusher in the draft but did not take one. Betiku could find himself in a position to make a difference on th edge for the 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl Champions.