Bobby Okereke, the inside linebacker for the New York Giants, is eager to witness his defensive squad achieve greater success in 2024. Having been a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense last season, Okereke is confident that they can replicate their performance, especially with the addition of a notable free agent.

Julian Blackmon, a formidable strong safety who recently entered free agency after his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts, is now up for grabs. At 25 years old, Blackmon is a standout defensive talent, and the Giants have the opportunity to acquire his services. According to Pro Football Focus, New York is deemed as the ideal destination for Blackmon’s talents.

Giants’ Bobby Okereke wants Julian Blackmon in New York next season

Okereke enthusiastically voiced his anticipation for the upcoming season with the prospect of the four-year veteran bolstering the Giants’ secondary. He openly expressed his excitement in a post on X, eagerly anticipating the partnership and support Blackmon could provide in the defensive lineup.

Despite not receiving All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition in 2023, Blackmon’s performance was noteworthy and deserving of consideration. His career-high eight defended passes placed him third in interceptions at his position, securing four interceptions throughout the season.

Joining the Giants, Blackmon would be a valuable addition to their secondary. The Giants’ defense struggled at times, allowing passing attacks to convert first downs at a rate of 22.8 percent, ranking 19th in the league. Additionally, they conceded the sixth-most big plays of 40 or more yards, with a total of 10. With Blackmon’s skills and playmaking ability, he could significantly improve the Giants’ defensive performance in these areas.

The Giants have the money and the space to make Blackmon a lucrative offer

In 2023, Blackmon earned $2.97 million, a figure that didn’t rank him among the top 10 highest-paid players at his position despite his caliber. With the Giants having $7.47 million in cap space for 2024, they could easily afford to bring him on board.

Okereke is clearly eager to enhance his pass-rushing abilities next season, and he sees Blackmon as a key component in achieving this goal. Blackmon’s presence in the secondary could alleviate pressure on Okereke in the trenches and amplify his effectiveness as a pass rusher.

While the Giants have already secured the services of veteran SS Jalen Mills following Xavier McKinney’s departure this offseason, Blackmon’s performance in 2023 outshone any of Mills’ performances in the last three years. It remains uncertain whether the Giants will opt to fortify their roster at the safety position, potentially giving Okereke a reason to celebrate in the process.