he Dallas Cowboys are still searching for an inside linebacker addition this offseason. CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani argued Saturday he sees that search potentially concluding not too far from home for Dallas with rival linebacker Bobby Okereke.
The veteran linebacker has spent the past three seasons with the New York Giants. Now a few days into 2026 NFL free agency, Dajani sees the Cowboys as his ideal landing spot.
“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 former team captain was a consistent contributor that new Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker got a good look at twice a year. Let’s send him to Dallas.”
Okereke posted 143 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit last season. He also had six pass defenses and two interceptions in 17 games with the Giants.
The 29-year-old will be entering his eighth NFL season next fall. But during his draft process, analysts commended Okereke for his instincts and how fast he plays.
“Productive linebacker who finds the football. Plays with consistent football smarts. Quick to diagnose and out-race runner to designed rush path,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in 2019.
“Good awareness and communication from zone. Athleticism to handle short-area man coverage. Experience as a core special-teams player.”
Why LB Bobby Okereke Could Fit With Cowboys
Okereke entered the league as a third-round pick for the Indianapolis Colts. At the time, Indianapolis arguably overdrafted the linebacker.
But after two seasons as a rotational linebacker, Okereke entered the starting lineup in 2021. Since then, he’s started at least 12 games every season and made 16 starts in four of the past five years.
With the Giants the past five years, he’s rarely left the field when dressed. He played at least 97% of the team’s defensive snaps during his games from 2023-25.
Of course, the Cowboys would love to add a star inside linebacker. That would do wonders for their defense in a lot of different areas.
But barring a major move for a star, the Cowboys signing someone like Okereke would be tremendous. He brings instant creditability, reliability and experience.
Over the past five years, Okereke has averaged 134 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, and six pass defenses per season.
Jerry Jones Expects Defensive Improvement in 2026
The Cowboys finished 30th in yards allowed and last in points against during 2025. The team was also near the bottom in several other pass defense statistics.
That’s why someone such as Okereke could be a great addition for the unit.
The Cowboys targeted those types of players early in NFL free agency. The team signed safety Jalen Thompson, cornerback Decobie Durant and Tyrus Wheat. They also traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary.
With those acquisitions, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed higher expectations for the defense in 2026.
“I feel very good about it,” Jones said to reporters Thursday night, via Machota. “We have nowhere but up to go on defense. That’s not anyone’s fault at all. But we’re going to almost assuredly be much better. And I’m betting on us improving on offense. That ought to get us with a better feeling when we get into December.”
Jones could feel even better about the team’s defense if they signed Okereke.
