New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) breaks up a pass on Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18)during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) breaks up a pass on Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18)during the first half at MetLife Stadium.
The Carolina Panthers added veteran experience to their defense Saturday, agreeing to a one-year contract with linebacker Bobby Okereke.
The move addresses uncertainty at inside linebacker as the Panthers prepare to finalize their 53-man roster. Okereke, 30, has started 95 games across seven NFL seasons and gives defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero another proven option in the middle of the defense.
The agreement came one day after the Panthers defeated the Houston Texans 16-13 in their preseason finale. NFL teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET Sunday.
The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero took to X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday to report on the latest addition to the Panthers’ defense.
“Veteran LB Bobby Okereke agreed to terms with the Panthers, per source.”
Okereke played every defensive snap during his first season with the Giants in 2023, totaling 149 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and 10 passes defended.
The veteran linebacker also spent his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before signing with the New York Giants in 2023. The Giants released him in March, a move that freed about $9 million in salary-cap space.
He started all 17 games last season and led New York with 143 tackles. Okereke also recorded two interceptions and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following his two-takeaway performance in Week 18.
Across 110 career games, Okereke has totaled 805 tackles, seven interceptions, 11 forced fumbles and 7.5 sacks. His experience and production expand Carolina’s choices alongside Devin Lloyd, whose recent knee soreness required additional treatment.
Lloyd remains on track for Week 1, while Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus had been competing for the other starting inside linebacker job. Okereke now joins that mix as the Panthers evaluate their personnel before the regular season.
The short-term agreement gives general manager Dan Morgan flexibility without a long-term commitment. Okereke’s eventual role will depend on his health, performance, and the Panthers' final roster decisions.