The Dallas Cowboys began fixing their defense in NFL free agency. With two first-round picks, the Cowboys will have a terrific opportunity to continue transforming their defense next month. But there’s one free agent pundits are still linking to Dallas through rumors — linebacker Bobby Okereke.
Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport picked Okereke as the one free agent remaining on the market that could help the Cowboys.
“The Cowboys have made an effort to better that defense with the addition of safety Jalen Thompson and a trade for edge-rusher Rashan Gary, but the Dallas D still has multiple needs—including at inside linebacker,” wrote Davenport.
“The Cowboys have some young talent at the position in DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James, but the former can’t stay healthy and the latter is largely unproven. Bobby Okereke is not—over seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, the 29-year-old has started 95 games and surpassed 130 total tackles four times, including 143 stops with the G-Men in 2025.
“He also has extensive experience wearing the ‘green dot’ helmet communicator and relaying the defensive signals.”
Okereke played the past three seasons for the New York Giants. From 2023-25, the linebacker posted 385 combined tackles, including 19 tackles for loss in 46 starts.
For the Giants, he also registered 5.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, 19 pass defenses, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions.
In seven NFL seasons, Okereke has earned about $36.83 million.
Why the Cowboys Could Sign LB Bobby Okereke
Davenport wasn’t the first pundit to link the Cowboys to the former Giants linebacker.
CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani also named Dallas a fit for Okereke toward the end of the first week in NFL free agency.
“Bobby Okereke could stay in the NFC East, as the Dallas Cowboys have a need at inside linebacker. Okereke recorded 143 tackles, one sack, six passes defended and two interceptions last season for the New York Giants, and has crossed 90 tackles in each of the last five years,” wrote Dajani.
The Cowboys were in the market for an inside linebacker this offseason because the team finished 30th in total defense and last in points allowed during 2025.
Dallas added safety Jalen Thompson and defensive linemen Tyrus Wheat and Otito Ogbonnia in free agency. The Cowboys also traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary.
But they have yet to add a new inside linebacker.
In three seasons with the Giants, Okereke averaged 128 combined tackles, including about six tackles for loss per season. He had roughly two sacks and two interceptions each year as well.
Will the Cowboys Draft a Linebacker?
The Cowboys could be dragging their feet with signing Okereke because they don’t want him to block a rookie the team might add.
Dallas holds the No. 12 and 20 selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Cowboys could take a linebacker at either spot.
It’s not likely but possible the top inside linebacker of the class — Sonny Styles — falls to the Cowboys at No. 12. Or, the team could trade up for Styles.
Styles or another linebacker from the first round coupled with DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James is a pretty full room. The Cowboys might not have much use for Okereke in that situation.
However, there are trade rumors circulating that the Cowboys could trade up for an offensive player. The most popular choice is running back Jeremiyah Love.
The Cowboys might have to trade up to No. 3 to nab Love. That could cost the team both of their first-round picks.
If Dallas has hope of doing that, then signing Okereke might become essential. Should the Cowboys not draft a linebacker in the first round, they probably won’t have another opportunity in the rookie class to grab a Day 1 starter.
In summary, whether the Cowboys are interested in Okereke might greatly depend on what the team does or plans to do in the draft.
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