The Pittsburgh Steelers got the chance to start the organization's 2023 first-round pick during his rookie season after a surprising mid-year benching. Right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor was benched following the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, which then forced the coaching staff to play Broderick Jones out of position at right tackle. The reasoning for his benching was due to questionable comments he made during the game, and his release came quickly after the season ended.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A7963-544x306.jpg "Steelers Chukwuma Okorafor")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers lineman Chukwuma Okorafor during training camp ahead of the 2023 season.
Okorafor was released by Pittsburgh, and he then signed with the New England Patriots. He earned the starting right tackle job in his new home, but was benched early on in New England's Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. News broke on Saturday that he was placed on the exempt list, with the reasoning being that he left the team, which was announced by the Patriots.
Patriots elevate G Michael Jordan to the active roster; T Chukwuma Okorafor placed on exempt/left squad: https://t.co/5dW0UcMb4Y pic.twitter.com/fDx8VAULdb
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 14, 2024
The veteran lineman made comments following his benching in Pittsburgh about having regret for signing back with the organization, and when he was benched in New England he probably felt the same regret. It is not seen often in the NFL, but he essentially quit on the Patriots.
Sounds like Chuks Okorafor quit the team in New England. Just left. 🤣😭
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) September 14, 2024
No other news has come out regarding Okorafor's departure from the team, but it seems as though he is done playing professional football for the time being. A lot has changed for the tackle, as he signed a three-year extension in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2022 season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Former Steelers right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor prepares to jump off the line of scrimmage to block as the team competes against the Cincinnati Bengals at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
The tackle played in Pittsburgh for six seasons, and was the starting right tackle from 2020 through 2022; with seven more starts coming in 2023 until he was ultimately benched. He was seen as one of Pittsburgh's best offensive linemen during his time as a starter with the team, and earned himself a new deal worth nearly $30 million ahead of the 2022 season.
It is unknown what is in store for the rest of Okorafor's football career. He was only under contract with New England for the 2024 season, and he could be free to play elsewhere once free agency opens up during the 2025 offseason. He can still come back to New England in 2024, but that seems unlikely based off of how he has left the team so early in the year. There's a good chance his time in the NFL is done, as it will be hard for a team to trust him after quitting on an organization.
What do you think of the situation? Let us know in the comments below!
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