The New England Patriots’ attempt to solidify their left tackle position with the signing of Chukwuma Okorafor has ended after just 12 plays. In a surprising turn of events, Okorafor was benched early during the Patriots’ season-opening win against the Cincinnati Bengals and was placed on the exempt/left squad list ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
OT Chukwuma Okorafor informed the Patriots he was leaving, per source.
This is not a situation like the one with Matt Corral last season when the QB left without notice.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 14, 2024
Okorafor’s short stint in New England is especially striking given his background. After parting ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his tenure as a starter ended due to disciplinary issues, the Patriots had hoped he could turn things around and anchor their offensive line. However, just a week into the season, Doug Kyed of the *Boston Herald* reported that Okorafor told the team he was “leaving,” sparking immediate concerns about his future. According to *MassLive Sports’* Karen Guregian, the lineman is now openly questioning his career going forward.
Per source, Chuks Okorafor was placed on the Exempt/Left squad list because he's reconsidering if he still wants to play football. The team has been in touch with his representatives. Okorafor had signed a one-year deal with a base value of $4 million with the Patriots.
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) September 14, 2024
Veteran Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss added further speculation, suggesting that Okorafor may not suit up for the team again this season. With his sudden departure, the Patriots have already moved on, adding offensive lineman Michael Jordan to the active roster as a replacement.
For those wondering what this means, the Patriots receive a roster exemption for Okorafor until his status is finalized. They’ll roll with 52 for now and likely sign Michael Jordan to the 53-man roster early next week.
Opinion: Okorafor won’t play for Patriots again this year. https://t.co/f9NLMP5ZZt
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 14, 2024
Okorafor’s issues date back to his time in Pittsburgh, where he was reportedly benched after “acting out” and questioning the team’s play-calling following a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His latest contract with New England was a one-year, $4 million deal that had the potential to rise to $8 million with bonuses and incentives. However, his abrupt exit leaves the Patriots scrambling to find a long-term solution at left tackle once again.
As for Okorafor, his future in the NFL remains uncertain.
