Overshadowed by the trade to acquire tight end Darren Waller during free agency, the New York Giants’ addition of linebacker Bobby Okereke flew somewhat under the radar.
After a somewhat slow start, Okereke has exploded and fans are seeing why general manager Joe Schoen targeted the linebacker.
The linebacker’s success begs the question: Is Okereke the best free agent acquisition since the Giants inked safety Antrel Rolle back in 2010?
At the time of his signing, Rolle was the highest-paid safety in NFL history. He would go on to win Super Bowl XLVI with New York while establishing himself as a team leader and dominant force on the field.
Coincidentally, most of the Giants’ big-splash free agents have come on the defensive side of the ball (since the Rolle signing):
- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2014)
- Janoris Jenkins (2015)
- Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison (2015)
- Olivier Vernon (2015)
- Markus Golden (2019)
- James Bradberry (2020)
- Blake Martinez (2020)
In a small sample size, Okereke is on pace to set or tie career highs in total tackles, solo tackles, forced fumbles, interceptions and passes defensed.
Okereke was named a captain in his first year with the team and his presence has certainly been felt — he has been a big bright spot in a losing season.
Time will tell if his elite play continues beyond this season. However, if 2023 is any indication of what the Giants are getting moving forward, Okereke is well on his way to being the best signing since Rolle.
