The Jets signed Okorafor on Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports. The 27-year-old from Western Michigan appeared in just one game during his one-year stint with the Patriots in 2024 before being placed on the exempt/left quad list in early September. However, he's made 60 starts throughout his seven-year NFL career, primarily with the Steelers from 2020 to 2022 (48 starts). With Okorafor now in New York, he's expected to compete for a starting tackle spot in 2025.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Chukwuma Okorafor news
Team
New York Jets
Birthdate
8/8/1997 (27)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'6", 320 lbs
Draft Info
2018: Rd 3; Pk (PIT)
Birthplace
Southfield, MI, USA
Position
T
College
Western Michigan
Experience
7 seasons
Career History
New England Patriots
2024-2025
(1 season)
Pittsburgh Steelers
2018-2024
(6 seasons)
The Jets signed Okorafor on Wednesday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports. The 27-year-old from Western Michigan appeared in just one game during his one-year stint with the Patriots in 2024 before being placed on the exempt/left quad list in early September. However, he's made 60 starts throughout his seven-year NFL career, primarily with the Steelers from 2020 to 2022 (48 starts). With Okorafor now in New York, he's expected to compete for a starting tackle spot in 2025.
The Patriots released Okorafor (undisclosed) on Monday, per the NFL's transaction log. New England placed Okorafor on the exempt/left squad list in mid-September, and he remained there for the remainder of the campaign. The 2018 third-round draft pick made just one appearance last season, as he started in Week 1 and logged 12 snaps before being pulled. Okorafor's release means he is now free to pursue work with a different organization.
The Patriots placed Okorafor (undisclosed) on the exempt/left squad list Saturday. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com notes that the move gives the Patriots a roster exemption, and he believes that Okorafor won't play for the Patriots again this season. Okorafor started at left tackle in Week 1 against the Bengals, but he was benched after 12 snaps and was replaced by Vederian Lowe.
Patriots' director of scouting Eliot Wolf told reporters Thursday that Okorafor is currently profiles as the team's starting left tackle, Danny Jaillet of USA Today reports. Okarafor spent the first six seasons of his career with the Steelers before getting picked up by the Patriots on Mar. 7. During his time in Pittsburgh, the 26-year-old appeared in 77 games and made 59 starts. New England could definitely still add tackle depth in the draft, but it seems as if the current plan is to have Okorafor start at left tackle in 2024.
The Patriots have agreed to terms with Okorafor, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Okorafor had spend the first six years of his career with the Steelers, but he's now headed to New England. Across his time with the Steelers, the 26-year-old offensive lineman appeared in 77 games, starting in over three-quarters of his appearances (59). He's expected to help solidify the Patriots' offensive line and could very well have the opportunity to compete for a starting job as the offseason progresses.