The Dallas Cowboys desperately need to fix the middle of their defense. Fortunately, there will be ample opportunities to address this glaring hole in the coming months, including potentially outsourcing from a division rival.
Dan Duggan of The Athletic reported that the New York Giants are expected to cut veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke. While Okereke has regressed since a banner inaugural season with New York, the Cowboys can do much worse than bring in the 29-year-old if their NFC East foe parts ways with him.
Facing and preparing for Okereke twice annually since 2023 has given the Cowboys an up-close look at him. Amid the speculation, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reminded us that Schottenheimer has repeatedly highlighted Okereke in recent seasons.
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer has talked about Bobby Okereke in pressers multiple times over the last couple of years. Quote from September:
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) February 28, 2026
“I’m a big Bobby Okereke fan. He’s a hell of a football player.” https://t.co/mX5fWl77iq
The Dallas Cowboys could sign LB Bobby Okereke if the Giant cut him
Schottenheimer is a self-proclaimed "big Bobby Okereke fan" as of September and described the Giants' team captain as a "hell of a football player." That's quite lofty praise, which shouldn't be overlooked if/when an opportunity for the two to join forces presents itself.
While he's declining, Okereke is a proven field general and every-down contributor. His experience, durability, and leadership can help the Cowboys address a major area of weakness. Moreover, adding him would be even sweeter, knowing it'd be at the Giants' expense.
Okereke has played at a Pro Bowl-caliber level, and not that long ago. He's sixth in the entire NFL in tackles since 2021 (668). His track record speaks for itself, with Schottenheimer being among those who have admired him from afar.
Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has made it clear that he'll be aggressive in free agency.
The team is expected to restructure the contracts of quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and left guard Tyler Smith, which would create $66 million in cap space. They also want to rework Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark's current deals.
At that point, Dallas would have enough ammo to sign multiple starters, and Okereke should be squarely in the mix if he's cut by the Giants.
While the EDGE room is barren behind Donovan Ezeiruaku, linebacker isn't much better behind DeMarvion Overshown. Schottenheimer revealed at the Combine that Marist Liufau will move to outside linebacker (pass rusher) in Christian Parker's scheme, thinning out an already fragile unit.
The shopping spree shouldn't stop at Okereke, but he'd be on heck of a start.