The New York Giants may be at a crossroads with one of their defensive players this offseason. According to reports, linebacker Bobby Okereke, who signed a big deal with the team in 2023, could be out after a bad 2024. The Giants front office is reportedly not high on his value going forward and that’s got questions about whether he’ll be back in 2025.
Why Are the Giants Getting rid of Bobby Okereke?
According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, there has been whispering in the Giants organization that some of the brass don’t think Okereke is a big part of the 2025 plans.
“There have been whispers this offseason, from January to the NFL Combine, that some of the Giants brass don’t have high opinion of linebacker and captain Bobby Okereke’s value to the roster for the 2025 season,” Leonard wrote.
Not sure if this means release, trade or just a conversation about his role but the writing is on the wall for Okereke. 2024 was a step back from previous seasons and that’s got the Giants rethinking their investment in him.
What Happened to Okereke in 2024?
Okereke’s 2024 season was a disappointment. After signing a 4 year, $40 million deal with the Giants in 2023, he was supposed to be the defense’s anchor. But his production declined last year and now his long term fit with the team is in question.
In 29 games over 2 seasons with the Giants, Okereke has 242 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss. But his 2024 wasn’t enough to silence the critics. Whether it’s scheme, injury or just a down year, the Giants are reevaluating his role.
Financial Impact of Cutting or Trading Okereke
If the Giants cut Okereke, the cap relief isn’t much. According to Spotrac , he’d save the team $4 million if released and $3.5 million if traded. Those numbers aren’t enough to make them move him purely for cap reasons so any decision would likely be football based.
What Does This Mean for the Giants Defense?
Okereke has been a staple in the middle of the Giants defense since he got here. If he leaves the Giants will need to fill the void. Potential options are promoting younger players, signing a free agent or finding a replacement in the draft. But losing a guy like Okereke who has experience and leadership will be felt in the lineup.