The New York Giants will look to bounce back from their worst season in franchise history this offseason. Big Blue will continue rebuilding for 2025, and we can expect Joe Schoen to be active in free agency to bring in players who will help the G-Men return to their winning ways.
According to Over the Cap, New York will have approximately $43.38 million available in cap space for 2025, which Schoen and the Giants' front office will use to upgrade as much as possible at every position. Still, staying under the salary cap may require restructuring several players' contracts or cutting ties with likable players around the organization.
One player the Giants must make several decisions about is linebacker Bobby Okereke, who signed a $40 million contract with Big Blue in 2023. Okereke has performed well over the last two seasons despite the team's defensive struggles. However, the franchise's record is just 9-25 since Okereke joined the Giants.
The veteran linebacker is one of the Giants' captains and has played well when on the field. However, Okereke has not made a significant enough impact to change the team’s fortunes on defense, as the G-Men have endured back-to-back losing seasons. The Giants now face a tough decision with Okereke, whose cap hit will rise dramatically from $6.688 million in 2024 to $14.463 million in 2025.
If Schoen opts to release Okereke after June 1st, Over the Cap estimates the Giants could save $9 million across the next two seasons. Alternatively, they could hold onto him for another year, saving the same amount in 2026. Restructuring his deal, according to Pro Football Network, could save $3.915 million immediately. So what’s the right move for Schoen and the Giants?
Should the Giants bring back Bobby Okereke in 2025?
In two seasons with the Giants, Okereke has totaled 139 tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and two interceptions. As one of the team’s defensive captains, he has been reliable when healthy, missing just one game in his two seasons with New York before a back injury cut his 2024 campaign short. Before landing on injured reserve, Okereke hadn’t missed a game since 2020, back when he was with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 28-year-old linebacker is consistent, and Schoen and the front office would likely prefer to keep him in New York for the remaining two years of his contract. However, with limited cap space and other needs across the roster, Okereke’s future with the Giants could come down to dollars and cents.
The most logical move for the Giants would be to restructure Okereke’s deal. This would allow New York to retain one of its most dependable defenders while freeing up some much-needed cap space. If Okereke and the team can’t come to terms on a restructured contract, Schoen should keep him for 2025 and reassess after the season, potentially designating him as a post-June 1st release to save $9 million for 2026.
The Giants are navigating a delicate balance this offseason, and while Okereke has been a steadying presence on defense, his future in New York will ultimately depend on how Schoen manages the team’s precarious cap situation.