Patriots Sign Ex Steelers Offensive Tackle
FOXBORO — While the legal tampering period for NFL free agency does not begin until noon ET on Monday, the New England Patriots are already getting a jump start on improving their much-maligned offensive line for the upcoming season.
The Patriots, per a Thursday evening NFL Media report, have agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. Terms of the deal are still to be disclosed, as the signing has yet to be confirmed by the NFL transaction wire.
Credit: Jim Dedmon, USA Today Sports
Okorafor was a third-round selection (No. 92 overall) by the Steelers in 2018 draft. The 6-6, 320-pound lineman spent six seasons with Pittsburgh, making 77 appearances (59 starts) while logging 3,938 snaps on offense, and 220 snaps on special teams.
Despite signing a three-year, $29.25 million contract extension prior to reaching free agency in 2022, the Steelers released Okorafor amid a series of roster moves in February. As such, New England was able to sign the Western Michigan product to a deal prior to the start of the league year on March 13.
While primarily playing right tackle for the majority of his career, Okorafor has seen notable time on the left, as well. He has also seen reported as an eligible tight end on jumbo packages. The 26-year-old, per Pro Football Focus was credited with allowing pair of sacks, no quarterback hits and nine hurries in pass protection. He was also flagged for eight penalties.
Okorafor’s signing was part of a busy day for the Patriots, who are also reportedly picking up the exclusive rights free agent option of offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. The team is also expected to remain “actively engaged” in pursuing a multi-year deal with starting right tackle Mike Onwenu, who will become an unrestricted free agent at 4 p.m. ET on Wednesday, if the two sides fail to reach an agreement at that time.
