CHARLOTTE — The Panthers kept a competition at linebacker going until the end of the preseason.
And then they found a more experienced option before cuts.
According to multiple reports, the Panthers have agreed to terms with veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke on a one-year deal.
The 30-year-old Okereke (pronounced oh-ker-uh-KAY) spent the last three years with the Giants, after his first four with the Colts.
Originally a third-round pick from Stanford, he's appeared in 110 games and started 95.
He's become one of the more productive inside linebackers in the league, with at least 132 tackles in four of the last five seasons, including a team-high 143 last year.
He has 805 career tackles, along with 7.5 sacks, seven interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries.
Throughout the preseason, the Panthers let Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus compete for the starting job next to Devin Lloyd, including Friday night when they were the only starters to appear in the final preseason game. But Wallace and Cherelus have just 26 career starts between them, 20 of those by Wallace.
Okereke, an Eagle Scout, also adds some ballast to a still-young defense. He was a captain all three years with the Giants, where he was also the team's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.
The Panthers have to be at the league limit of 53 players by 6 p.m. Sunday. And once his signing becomes official, they'd have to make a corresponding move since the roster is at 91 now.
Check out some of the best shots of the newest Panther, linebacker Bobby Okereke. Okereke played college ball at Stanford and spent time with the Giants and Colts before coming to Carolina.
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke lines up against the Houston Texans during first quarter of a preseason NFL football game, Saturday, Aug 17, 2024 in Houston. (AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)
Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (34) attempts to run the ball past New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball under pressure from New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (1) runs against New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke in action during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the ball past New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) pursues a play against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson, left, tries to elude the grasp of New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke, right, in the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) puts pressure on Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) tackles Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates his interception with cornerback Deonte Banks (2) and linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) returns an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) stands for the national anthem before playing against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) defends during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke defends during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) at the snap during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Colts 26-11. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) pressures Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) on a pass play during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) gets tackled by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) after making a catch during an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) tries to get by Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke celebrates after recovering a fumble during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke greets fans as he walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Oct. 23, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 19-10. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) is introduced before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) pressures Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on a fourth down play in the second half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates a defensive stop during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs from Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during overtime in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 39-36. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Indianapolis Colts linebackers Zaire Franklin (44) and Bobby Okereke (58) celebrate after a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) runs onto the field before an NFL football game between the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) lines up against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) reacts during player introductions before playing against the Washington Commanders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) greets fans after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) reacts against the Washington Commanders during an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) tackles Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor (27) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke during the second half of an NFL football game Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles while being tackled by New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (41) and linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
New York Giants' Bobby Okereke talks to reporters after an NFL football practice in East Rutherford, N.J., Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
This is a 2025 photo of Bobby Okereke of the New York Giants NFL football team. This image reflects the New York Giants active roster as of Monday, June 16, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) looks on after an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in Landover. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) looks on from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) exits the field after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) is tackled by New York Giants inside linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the ball past New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke runs off the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
New York Giants line backer Bobby Okereke speaks to the media, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Kena Betancur)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) warms up with his Walter Payton Man of the Year deal visible before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) reacts before an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) celebrates his interception with cornerback Deonte Banks (2) and linebacker Darius Muasau (53) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) stands for the national anthem before playing against the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Lewis)
New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) defends during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
FILE - New York Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke defends during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola, File)
