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Bobby Okereke joins Panthers starting defense ahead of Week 1 opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 3:25 AM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Bobby Okereke joins Panthers starting defense ahead of Week 1 opener

Summary

The Carolina Panthers added Bobby Okereke to their roster as a starting inside linebacker ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the Chicago Bears. General manager Dan Morgan signed the veteran following an offseason of internal competition between other linebacker candidates. Okereke, who led the New York Giants in tackles last season, joins Devin Lloyd in the base 3-4 defensive alignment. Coach Dave Canales expects the pair to provide improved coverage against tight ends while maintaining run defense responsibilities. The team released Trevin Wallace to finalize the move during roster cuts on August 30. Carolina opens the season this Sunday, where the defensive unit will face an offensive scheme led by Chicago coach Ben Johnson.

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Key Details

•Bobby Okereke signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Carolina Panthers.
•The veteran linebacker recorded 143 tackles and two interceptions with the New York Giants last season.
•Carolina released Trevin Wallace during final roster reductions on August 30.
•The Panthers face the Chicago Bears on Sunday to start the regular season.
•Bobby Okereke joins team captain Devin Lloyd in the starting base 3-4 defense.

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