Colts Star Ranks in Top 50 Free Agents List

The Indianapolis Colts have many different areas to address this offseason. Thus far, it’s been impossible to miss the head coach interviews, the NFL Draft talk, and if the Colts will trade up or not to grab their quarterback of the future. All of this is of the highest importance for Indianapolis, but so is free agency.

Currently, one of their top producers from the bleak 2022 season is on tap for a new contract; linebacker Bobby Okereke. Not only is he up for a contract, but he also makes Pro Football Focus’ “Top 50 Players Set to Enter 2023 Free Agency” list, per Brad Spielberger.

36. LB BOBBY OKEREKE, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Okereke stepped up in a major way in the absence of fellow off-ball linebacker Shaquille Leonard, with his 72.9 grade ranking 23rd at the position. Okereke was particularly stout against the run, with his 13 defensive stops against the run tied for the 13th most. Okereke is now coming off back-to-back seasons with at least 100 tackles and 50 defensive stops.

The former third overall (round) pick still has room to grow as a coverage player, but at 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, he moves well enough in space to not be a liability in coverage.

Okereke ranks No. 36 on the Top-50 free agents list, and for good reason. The Colts had a brutally bad 2022 season, but Okereke was on fire. Through all 17 games, he recorded career-highs in tackles (151) and tackles for loss (6) and became a fearsome tandem with fellow backer Zaire Franklin. Okereke was one of only a few bright spots (mostly on the defensive side) that Indianapolis could showcase during the season.

When it comes to Okereke’s contract up to now, it’s been incredibly modest due to being drafted in the third round in 2019 out of Stanford. The original contract was four years for $3.6 million. Unfortunately for the Colts, Okereke has grossly outplayed that type of contract and could ask for something closer to four years and $45-50 million instead.

Yes, indeed, Indianapolis will still have about $13 million in 2023 cap space, but, with superstar Shaquille Leonard likely returning from injury, and his near-$20 million per year price tag, it is going to be difficult for the Colts to retain Okereke after he played himself into a larger payday.

The Colts have multiple names to decide upon retaining this offseason. Okereke has played better and better every year since coming into the league. He’s honestly played well enough for a new deal from Indianapolis. However, with the draft and superstars on the roster that needs to be paid, will they decide to ink another deal for Okereke?

General manager Chris Ballard will have to make some tough decisions for the Colts’ future with their free agents, and it will start with Okereke.

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