Jason Leach
On Tuesday night, Jordan Schultz reported that the New York Giants have informed linebacker and co-captain Bobby Okereke that he will be released.
There had been wide speculation that the team would move on from the inside linebacker due to the fact that releasing him would free up $9 million in cap space. Okereke spent the last three seasons with the Giants and amassed 385 tackles, seven forced fumbles, five and a half sacks, and four interceptions. He was also the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year winner.
Despite the numbers he put up, New York’s run defense was abysmal during his tenure, ranking 29th, 27th, and 31st this past season. Okereke turns 30 in July, was set to enter the final year of this four-year, $40 million deal that he signed in 2023. But it became more apparent as the offseason progressed that he would not be with the team in 2026.
New York now has $10.799 million in cap space, but they still may release veterans such as running back Devin Singletary and kicker Graham Gano to free up more money.
Related: Why New York Giants Should Draft Caleb Downs at No. 5
Could Giants Swap Okereke for Sonny Styles?
Cutting Okereke comes off the heels of Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles having an impressive showing at the NFL Combine. Syles ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, a 1.56-second 10-yard split, a 43.5-inch vertical, and had an 11-foot-2 broad jump.
He was named First-Team All-American after leading the Buckeyes in tackles with 83. In his four years in college, he amassed 245 tackles, nine sacks, nine passes defended, three forced fumbles, and an interception.
It’s no secret that the Giants have been very impressed with Styles on the field and how he answered questions during the combine. With New York now having a void at inside linebacker, Styles should emerge as the favorite to be selected by the Giants with the fifth overall pick if he’s still on the board.
