The New York Giants are apparently aware there’s a problem with starting middle linebacker Bobby Okereke. Aware, but not worried, because the Giants “are high on” a player who could replace Okereke as early as the 2026 NFL season.
It’s a scenario spelled out by Dan Duggan of The Athletic, who identified Darius Muasau as somebody well liked “internally after the sixth-round pick’s rookie season.” Even though Duggan admitted “Muasau looked overmatched early last season, but he was much better when he got a featured role after Okereke’s injury late in the season. Muasau could be in line to replace Okereke in 2026.”
That’s a bold prediction about a young linebacker with a mere seven starts to his credit. Duggan’s take is also a warning of sorts about a big-name veteran still playing on a contract worth $40 million.
Giants Can’t Ignore Bobby Okereke Problem
He’s been outstanding at times, but mediocre at others, and Okereke’s erratic form has become a problem the Giants can’t ignore. The 28-year-old is supposed to be the on-field signal-caller of their defense, a stable presence teammates look to for composure and adjustments in clutch moments.
Unfortunately, Okereke has divided opinion behind the scenes, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News (h/t John Fennelly of Giants Wire). Leonard reported “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.”
The implication of Okereke being a potential casualty of the salary cap makes sense when he’s due to earn as much as $14,463,333 this season, per Spotrac.com. That’s a hefty chunk of cash to pay to one of the main culprits behind a major flaw on this Giants defense.
It’s a problem related to getting off blocks in the running game. Okereke struggles in this area, but the six-year pro is still a plus athlete with the range and instincts to impact offenses when at his best.
He made an impact by from knocking the ball loose from new Giants quarterback Russell Wilson against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. Okereke also recovered the fumble he caused, providing a two-for-one splash play.
Replacing No. 58 would require the Giants finding a ‘backer with the same potential as a playmaker. It’s debatable Muasau fits the bill.
Giants Need Better Athletes at Inside Linebacker
What keeps Okereke safe is the otherwise lack of credible athletes on the roster at his position. Fellow starter Micah McFadden is a willing tackler, but he lacks even above average sideline-to-sideline quickness and natural explosiveness attacking the line of scrimmage.
Muasau displays similar flaws, but the 24-year-old is something of a throwback as a 6-foot, 234-pound squat run plugger at the heart of the linebacker corps. Although Muasau did show good ability to track the ball for this interception against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1, highlighted by Nick Falato of SB Nation’s Big Blue View.
He won’t make as many highlight reel-worthy contributions as Okereke can produce, but Muasau may play more within the confines of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s system.
Okereke has previously expressed difficulty adapting to what Bowen likes to call. It’s one more problem regarding a player the Giants should be able to count on as the glue of their front seven.
Instead, doubts continue to mount about Okereke’s long- and even short-term future.
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