The New York Giants are heading into the offseason with no shortage of questions after a dismal 14-loss season—the worst in franchise history. While the team’s salary cap situation isn’t dire, GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll face some tough decisions in reshaping a roster that underperformed in 2024. Among those decisions is the future of linebacker Bobby Okereke, one of the team’s highest-profile signings in recent years.
Okereke’s Contract: A Double-Edged Sword
Signed in 2023 to a four-year, $40 million deal, Bobby Okereke has largely delivered on expectations. The former Colts linebacker has been a productive presence for the Giants, racking up 93 tackles, six tackles for loss, three passes defensed, and four forced fumbles in just 12 games this past season.
However, while Okereke’s contributions have been solid, his contract could soon become a financial hurdle. His cap hit is set to balloon to $14.46 million in each of the final two years of his deal, per Over The Cap. That figure represents a significant chunk of the team’s resources, particularly as Schoen looks to rebuild a competitive roster. Cutting Okereke after June 1 would free up $9 million in cap space—an attractive figure for a team with limited flexibility.
Unpopular, but Plausible?
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder floated the possibility of cutting Okereke, as well as other players like RT Jermaine Eluemunor and DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches, to create additional financial breathing room. While Okereke is a key defensive piece, his cap number—especially following a season where the team failed to contend—makes him a potential cut candidate.
That said, letting go of Okereke would be a bold and unpopular move. The Giants’ defense has struggled for consistency, and removing one of its most reliable players would leave a noticeable void. For a team already facing plenty of scrutiny after a disastrous season, such a decision would likely draw backlash from fans and analysts alike.
Balancing the Cap with On-Field Needs
The Giants’ decision on Okereke will come down to a delicate balance between financial strategy and football necessity. While saving $9 million sounds tempting, the Giants would also need to consider the cost of replacing Okereke’s production in a market where top-tier linebackers don’t come cheap.
Additionally, Okereke’s leadership and ability to force turnovers make him a valuable asset for a team that has struggled to establish a defensive identity. Cutting him might save money in the short term, but it could hurt the team’s on-field performance—a risky proposition for Schoen and Daboll as they attempt to turn the franchise around.
The Verdict
While it’s unlikely that the Giants will cut Bobby Okereke this offseason, his escalating cap hits will undoubtedly force Schoen to make some difficult calls in the near future. For now, the team is more likely to focus on restructuring contracts or finding other ways to free up space. But as the offseason progresses, don’t be surprised if Okereke’s name continues to come up in discussions about how the Giants can rebuild without breaking the bank.
