The New York Giants are facing a pivotal decision regarding their linebacker lineup as March 13th approaches. Bobby Okereke is on the chopping block with a $3 million roster bonus due, posing a significant question: Is he worth a $14.5 million cap hit, which ranks eighth among NFL linebackers?
Cutting Okereke would free up $9 million, potentially paving the way for the Giants to pursue Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Nakobe Dean: A Potential Gem for the Giants
Dean is being highlighted as one of the most undervalued free agents this offseason. Despite missing 21 regular-season games over the past three seasons and being sidelined during Philly’s 2024 Super Bowl run, his potential remains enticing. Teams are often wary of players with durability issues, which might put Dean in a position to accept a short-term, prove-it deal.
When healthy, Dean showcases remarkable athleticism as an off-ball linebacker, with the ability to pressure quarterbacks and enforce against the run-a combination that could be a game-changer for the Giants.
Why Dean Fits Harbaugh’s Vision
Under head coach John Harbaugh and new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, the Giants are crafting a defense that mirrors the Ravens’ tradition-athletic, instinctive linebackers who excel in high-IQ systems. Harbaugh's history with legends like Ray Lewis and C.J. Mosley underscores his preference for dynamic inside linebackers.
Dean perfectly matches this profile. In his tenure with the Eagles, he amassed 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, impressive stats for an off-ball linebacker.
Notably, from Weeks 10 to 16 last season, he generated nine quick pressures in under 2.5 seconds on just 21 pass rush attempts, leading all off-ball linebackers. His coverage skills are equally strong, allowing just a 58.3 percent completion rate when targeted, ranking fifth-lowest in the league.
The Okereke Conundrum
On the flip side, Bobby Okereke's future with the Giants is uncertain. Once a cornerstone of the defense after his standout 2023 season, his performance has since declined. His PFF tackling grade dropped to 50.2 last season, and his run-defense grade plummeted to 45.5, placing him among the league’s lower-tier starters.
The decision to release Okereke is crucial, offering $9 million in cap relief but also creating a gap in the defense. However, signing Dean could fill this void more cost-effectively and with greater upside.
With $6.9 million in current cap space, cutting Okereke could provide the Giants with enough flexibility to make a competitive offer to Dean. Spotrac estimates Dean’s market value at $7.9 million per season, suggesting a two-year deal in the $16-18 million range could be feasible. If Dean’s health checks out, the Giants might find themselves with a strategic advantage heading into the new season.