"Okereke was signed prior to the 2023 season after four years with the Indianapolis Colts. He played the best football of his career that first season with the Giants, making 149 tackles, 11 for a loss, while notching a career-best 2.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits. But a back injury and new defense slowed Okereke in his second season in New York."
"It was always a possibility the Giants would move on from the veteran linebacker after finishing 31st in run defense (145.3 yards per game) and 32nd in yards allowed per rush (5.3 ypr) in 2025. They also overhauled the coaching staff and are installing a new defense under coach John Harbaugh, who hired Dennard Wilson from the Tennessee Titans as his defensive coordinator."
"Harbaugh's track record suggests the Giants could make a significant move at the position. His middle linebackers during most of his time in Baltimore have been Ray Lewis, C.J. Mosely, Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith, a group of high-profile inside 'backers to lead his defense."
The New York Giants released middle linebacker Bobby Okereke after three seasons, creating $9 million in salary cap space. Okereke, a defensive captain, was set to count $14.46 million against the cap. The move addresses the Giants' critical cap shortage of less than $2 million heading into free agency. Okereke performed well in his first season with 149 tackles and 2.5 sacks but declined in 2024 due to back injury and a new defensive scheme, recording 93 tackles in 12 games. The Giants finished 31st in run defense and 32nd in yards allowed per rush. New coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson will address the linebacker position through free agency or the draft, potentially re-signing Micah McFadden.
Read at ESPN.com
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