The New York Giants walked into the offseason strapped for cap space, and everyone knew cuts were coming. Bobby Okereke always seemed like a likely candidate, and on Tuesday, that became reality. Jordan Schultz reported the linebacker had been informed he is being released.
Okereke made an immediate impact when he arrived in New York. In his first season, the 29-year-old earned a team captain vote, which doesn’t happen often for newcomers.
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He ran the show in Don Martindale’s defense, calling out assignments and racking up 149 tackles. He also posted career highs with 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and six quarterback hits.
Former New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke leaves the field after losing to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesAccording to the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz, cutting Okereke frees up $9 million in cap relief. He was set to carry a $14.4 million cap hit in 2026, the final year of the four-year, $40 million deal he signed back in 2023.
The move leaves behind a $5.4 million dead cap charge and a big hole in the middle of the defense.
Bucky Irving of Tampa Bay is tackled by Bobby Okereke of the Giants.Okereke missed the final five games of the 2024 season with a back injury. Even before that, he struggled to find his rhythm while adjusting to Shane Bowen’s defensive scheme.
Things looked better in 2025. Okereke started all 17 games and finished with 143 tackles. Still, it wasn’t quite the same production, as he managed just two tackles for loss, though his play picked up late in the year.
Who can the Giants cut next?
More roster moves are on the way. The free agency negotiating window opens March 9, with deals becoming official March 11. Running back Devon Singletary is widely expected to be released, which would clear $5.3 million in cap space.
Other possible cuts include James Hudson III at $5.4 million, Graham Gano at $4.5 million, Jamie Gillan at $1.2 million, Roy Robertson-Harris at $3.4 million, and Chris Board at $2.1 million.
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