Colts Could Reunite with Former Starting Defender

The Indianapolis Colts must improve their struggling defense. Acquiring linebacker Bobby Okereke could be a step in the right direction. Sean Ackerman of si.com wrote about the former Colt possibly returning to Indy this offseason:

“If the Colts choose to let (E.J.) Speed leave, a familiar face could replace his shoes. New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke, who was drafted by the Colts in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft, could be cut this offseason. If the Colts want a reunion, Okereke would fit in nicely next to Zaire Franklin.”

Okereke isn’t currently a free agent, but he will be if the Giants choose to release him. Pat Leonard at The Daily News reports that Okereke isn’t favored by the Giants’ brass:

“There have been rumblings this offseason, from January through the NFL Combine, that some members of the Giants’ brass do not have a high opinion of linebacker and captain Bobby Okereke’s value to the roster entering the 2025 NFL season, “wrote Leonard. “Okereke is due a $3 million roster bonus if he is on the 90-man roster on March 14, though, so the answer will come soon.”

It remains to be seen whether Okereke will be released. If he is, the Colts should consider picking him up.

The Indianapolis Colts Could Reunite with Bobby Okereke

His Career in Indianapolis and New York

The Colts selected Bobby Okereke in the third round (89th overall pick) of the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he recorded 65 total tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, and two passes defended. During the 2021 season, he started in all 17 games. He finished with one sack, 132 total tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended that year. Okereke started in all 17 games during the 2022 season. He finished with a career-high 152 tackles, five passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

Okereke signed a four-year contract with the Giants in March 2023. During his first season in New York, he recorded 149 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 10 passes defensed. Last season, he had two sacks, 93 tackles, three passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

Should the Colts Bring Him Back?

Colts linebacker E.J. Speed had a career-high 142 total tackles in 2024. However, he also missed 26 tackles, the second-most in the league. It wouldn’t be shocking if the Colts didn’t re-sign Speed this offseason. If he isn’t retained, Indianapolis should bring Okereke back.

Okereke could team with Zaire Franklin to form a dynamic linebacker duo in Indianapolis. Franklin is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, leading the NFL with 173 tackles. The former seventh-round pick also earned Second Team All-Pro honors.

The Colts defense was far from perfect last season. The unit allowed 361.2 yards per game (29th-most in the NFL) and 131.8 rushing yards per contest (24th-most). But with the hiring of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, things could get a lot better in 2025. And by adding Okereke and a couple more pieces to go along with holdovers like DeForest Buckner and Kenny Moore II, the Colts’ defense could surely improve next season.