The Carolina Panthers signed linebacker Bobby Okereke just two weeks before the regular season, and the move already looks like one of their smartest offseason decisions.
After Carolina's win over the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Dave Canales made it clear how much the veteran linebacker has meant to the team.
"I can't say enough good things about Bobby and what he's brought to us," Canales said.
Bobby Okereke is already proving the Carolina Panthers right despite late arrival
And considering how little time Okereke had to get comfortable in Carolina's defense, his early impact is pretty impressive.
But according to Canales, Okereke was already doing everything he could to get ahead before he officially joined the team.
The Panthers head coach revealed that Okereke asked for the defensive playbook and his team iPad before he even signed his contract. That preparation has translated onto the field.
Okereke finished with a team-high eight tackles at Lincoln Financial Field against the Eagles. He also added three tackles for loss, one sack, and two pass breakups.
Through five games, he has recorded 34 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and four passes defended. Not bad for someone the New York Giants cast aside and who spent all summer looking for another opportunity.
Those are pretty solid numbers for a player who joined the team so late in the offseason. But what makes Okereke particularly valuable is the experience he brings to a defense that has undergone plenty of changes.
Bobby Okereke is a key cog in Carolina Panthers' defensive revival
The 30-year-old spent three seasons with the Giants and served as a team captain each year. Carolina knew it was getting an experienced player when it signed him. What the Panthers probably didn't expect was how quickly he would settle into such an important role.
While the Okereke signing didn't generate nearly as much attention as the additions of fellow linebacker Devin Lloyd or edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, he's quickly proving he belongs in the conversation about Carolina's best moves.
Of course, Okereke isn't solely responsible for Carolina's defensive improvement. The Panthers have invested heavily in that side of the ball. The contributions of Lloyd, Phillips, and the rest of the unit shouldn't be overlooked.
But Canales went out of his way to praise Okereke for a reason.
The Panthers needed someone who could step into the starting lineup immediately, help organize the defense, and consistently make plays. Okereke has checked those boxes through his first five games.
And with Carolina hoping to remain in the NFC South race, having an experienced veteran who has already earned the coaching staff's trust could prove even more valuable as the season progresses.
Add us as a preferred source on Google