The Carolina Panthers have signed a former Giants linebacker and team captain to a new deal.
The Carolina Panthers are signing former New York Giants linebacker and team captain Bobby Okereke to a one-year deal.
Carolina was in need of another linebacker, and Okereke could be a solid contributor for their defense. In the 2025 season with the Giants, he recorded 143 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
He will pair with free agent signing Devin Lloyd at inside linebacker. The Panthers inked Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million deal this offseason. Lloyd broke out as a Pro Bowler in 2025 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 81 total tackles, six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, seven pass deflections, five interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
If Lloyd can build upon his 2025 season, he will solidify himself as one of the best inside linebackers in the league. The veteran Okereke should be a solid complement to Lloyd on Carolina's defense.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Panthers were aggressive in improving their roster this offseason after winning the NFC South and making the postseason last year. In addition to inking Lloyd to a deal, Carolina also signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a four-year, $120 million contract.
Phillips is coming off a solid season in which he spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, recording 53 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, five sacks, four pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.
He has shown flashes of being a disruptive pass rusher, but the former first-round pick hasn't posted elite numbers.
The Panthers will need Phillips to be a consistent pass rusher for the defense to reach its full potential.
While Carolina made significant additions to their defense, they are relying more on internal development on offense. The Panthers will need Bryce Young, Jonathon Brooks, Tetairoa McMillan, and others to take the next step to make the offense more consistent for a playoff push.
Carolina has come out swinging with their offseason additions, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and Okereke will look to solidify the unit as they pursue a second-straight division title and playoff appearance.
