The Indianapolis Colts' defense is a bit depleted right now. They need someone reliable to line up opposite Laiatu Latu, more help for DeForest Buckner, and -- above all things -- some depth at linebacker.
The Colts will have to wait until No. 47 to make their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. Even if they get a linebacker there, whoever they land might not be ready to make an impact from day one, especially in Lou Anarumo's complex defensive schemes.
Considering that, general manager Chris Ballard should pick up the phone and bring back a familiar face. Bobby Okereke is, surprisingly, still a free agent, and he's just what the team needs at the position right now.
Bobby Okereke is an obvious fit for the Indianapolis Colts
Okereke was a salary cap casualty to kick off the John Harbaugh era for the New York Giants. He played and started all 17 games last season, registering a staggering 143 tackles, the third-most in his career.
The former Colts draft pick was also a big factor in coverage. He had six passes defensed, two interceptions, and gave up just 9.7 yards per completion. That should come in handy for a defense that gave up 247.9 passing yards per game, the second-most in all of pro football.
Chris Ballard allowed Okereke to walk away in 2023 once he became a bit too expensive. With Shaquille Leonard and Zaire Franklin in town, they could afford to let him go, and the Giants came up knocking with a lucrative four-year contract.
That's no longer the case. The Colts' current linebackers corps consists of Akeem Davis-Gaither, Austin Ajiake, John Bullock, Joseph Vaughn, and Jaylon Carlies. Clearly, they need help in the worst way, and given the lack of offers on his table, he might also be better off burying the hatchet and going back home.
According to Spotrac, Okereke has a projected market value of just $12.1 million a year. That's more than feasible for the Colts, who are sitting on $26.6 million in available cap space and won't have a first-round pick to sign, per Over The Cap.
Okereke is a high-volume tackler who rarely makes mistakes. He's durable and has proven to be efficient when dropping in coverage. He's also a well-respected veteran leader, former team captain, and Walter Payton Man of the Year winner.
He can bring in some much-needed mentorship for whoever they get in the draft, and maybe he can even be talked into taking a hometown discount of sorts after his first stint in Indianapolis.
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