Linebacker Bobby Okereke released as Giants begin shuffling roster

The New York Giants are reportedly releasing veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke as they begin clearing salary cap space with NFL free agency beginning next week.

This decision is one that has been expected since John Harbaugh became the team's head coach. Okereke was in the final year of a four-year, $40 million contract. Per Over The Cap, the Giants began the day with just $1.8 million in cap space. Releasing Okereke will save them $9 million, while incurring a $5.463 million dead cap hit.

Bobby Okereke | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Okereke had a fantastic 2023 season in his first year with the Giants. He had career highs in sacks (2.5), passes defensed (10), forced fumbles (4), and tackles for loss (11).

After that year, though, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale left the Giants. Okereke's impact has not been the same since. He also missed five games at the end of the 2024 season with a herniated disc in his back that did not require surgery.

Okereke, entering his age 30 season, will now need a new team. The Giants will be remaking their linebacker group.

Micah McFadden, who missed 16 games due to a Lisfranc injury last season, is a free agent. Whether he will return in 2026 is unknown.

The Giants have been connected to Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 5 in the draft. A potential trade for Chicago Bears inside linebacker Tremaine Edmunds has also been rumored.

The Giants have a long way to go before clearing enough money to be competitive in free agency. Stay tuned.