Among the New York Giants‘ cut candidates this offseason is a veteran linebacker who could draw interest from the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, among other teams.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, that linebacker is Bobby Okereke, who Duggan pegs as a legit cut candidate after his play has declined in recent years following his signing a four-year, $40 million deal in 2023.
“Okereke will be the biggest cap decision. The Giants can create $9 million in cap savings while eating $5.5 million in dead money if they cut him this offseason,” he explained. “A captain during each of his three seasons in New York, Okereke plays every snap as the leader of the defense. But the 29-year-old’s performance has declined, so the savings from cutting him could be spent on an upgrade.”
Okereke was an absolute stud for the Giants in his first season, and he had another solid showing in 2024, although it wasn’t as good as 2023.
In 2025, Okereke struggled in just about every area, as evidenced by Pro Football Focus grades of 45.5 in run defense, 50.2 in tackling, 65.5 in the pass-rush, and 65.2 in coverage.
It’s hard to pinpoint physical decline as a reason for Okereke’s struggles, as he has yet to turn 30. Perhaps a change of scenery is what the veteran needs to rebound.
The Bills, Packers and Bears could all use a cost-effective addition at linebacker, as all three teams have lackluster cap space situations.
The Bears could cut ties with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and it’s possible the Packers lose linebacker Quay Walker in free agency.
Meanwhile, in Buffalo, the Bills will see Matt Milano hit free agency this offseason and should be looking to go in a different direction.
Given his lackluster play in recent years, Okereke shouldn’t command much on the open market, which puts him in play for all three teams this offseason.
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