Is It a Mistake for Big Blue to Let Their 29-Year-Old Linebacker Go?
The trade rumors are currently flying for the New York Football Giants in the 2026 offseason. Last season, the team stood by as rumors ran rampant around the league about their offensive line. However, this year, the Giants are looking to revamp their defensive line. That being said, head coach John Harbaugh is looking to make this team a Super Bowl-winning franchise once again. That means that he is going to make cuts to those who don’t fit his ideal look in New York. At the moment, the Giants are looking to cut their 29-year-old linebacker Bobby Okereke.
New York is trying to free up cap space, and letting him go will give the Giants nine million to move around in the 2026 season. Letting him go gives Big Blue more flexibility to do what they want and pick up players they are considering adding to the roster this year. The Giants have contemplated cutting him before, but have never concluded what they should do. This time around, the 29-year-old may be heading somewhere else. He has been a decent player for the team despite the contract cut that may be coming his way.
Okereke has been a steady linebacker for New York. He’s been a fantastic tackler, and during the 2025 season, he's made 143 stops. This 29-year-old linebacker also managed to make two interceptions happen and a fumble recovery. A decent season for him, for the most part. He was also the team's defensive leader at one point over the course of his time with Big Blue. The 29-year-old did not miss one game and started in all 17 games for New York in 2025. He has been a consistent defender and has been a key part of all running defenses and tackling.
Cutting him would actually hurt the Giants more than anything if they are looking to build on what they have. For the Giants, it’s all about the cap space and what is needed at this point. If they keep cutting veterans, there is no way that this team is going to grow. This is something that Harbaugh needs to take a look at before the 2026 NFL Draft happens in April. However, if he wants more versatile defenders or better options to fill their spaces, Okereke has to go.
