The New York Giants made a big splash early in free agency by signing veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke, helping to solidify a position that had been lacking for nearly a decade.
The four-year, $40 million contract given to Okereke was significant but it also wasn’t the only offer he had. Still, for Okereke, the decision was simple.
“I told my agent from Day 1, ‘I want to play in New York City,'” Okereke said after signing with the Giants. “New York City’s been one of my favorite cities, growing up, my whole life. And this franchise is on the rise.”
More than just recognizing that the franchise is on the rise, Okereke wanted the opportunity to play under head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, who he calls one of the best in the league.
Playing alongside the likes of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Azeez Ojulari, Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence doesn’t hurt, either.
“Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari,” Okereke said on the Fireside Giants Podcast. “But both those guys are studs physical freaks, physical phenoms, and just high-motor players I’m excited to play with.”
Combined with the pass rush generated by Thibodeaux and Ojulari, Okereke stands to benefit from the dominance of Williams and Lawrence.
“Their ability to create vertical seams and penetrate, that’s going to stop an offense right there. Those guys can pass rush great. And then from a run standpoint, they’re eating up blockers or eating up pullers, really allowing me to fly sideline to sideline,” Okereke said. “So if they don’t make the tackle, which they probably will, I’ll come to clean it up. So I’m just excited to get to know my teammates better and play with them.”
The Giants may still be a little weak at inside linebacker behind Okereke, but his presence alongside those four dominant players is certain to take the defense to the next level.
