While right tackle was a position of need for the New York Jets entering free agency, why would Aaron Glenn and Darren Mougey want to sign someone who quit on their team as the organization undergoes a cultural overhaul?
The Jets’ new head coach tackled that question on Monday.
Speaking to reporters at the Owners Meetings in Palm Beach, Florida, Glenn revealed the Jets did a “good amount of investigation” on tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. The 27-year-old left the New England Patriots after Week 1 of the 2024 season before the Jets inked him to a contract this offseason. Glenn added that he “felt comfortable with [Okorafor’s] answers.”
Okorafor was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft before taking over as Pittsburgh’s starting right tackle during the 2020 season.
Okorafor’s performance warranted the Steelers inking the tackle to a three-year extension worth up to $29.25 million following the 2022 season, with $9.25 million guaranteed. Following the extension, Okorafor’s career snowballed downhill.
After seven starts during the 2023 season, the Nigerian native was benched for rookie tackle Broderick Jones. Last offseason, Okorafor signed with the New England Patriots on a one-year contract worth up to $4 million, hoping to get his career back on track.
New England attempted to convert the 27-year-old to left tackle, a position he has little experience at. He lost the starting job to 2022 sixth-round pick Vederian Lowe in training camp. However, he needed to step in as the Week 1 starter due to an injury to Lowe.
Before getting benched, Okorafor played just 12 snaps for the Patriots, allowing an embarrassing three pressures on just six pass-blocking opportunities.
Left unhappy with the benching, Okorafor informed the Patriots he would leave the team ahead of their Week 2 matchup. He was then placed on the Pats’ exempt/left squad list before Week 2.
Okorafor did not return to the team following the five-day extension period, meaning he was not allowed to play for the remainder of the 2024 season.
After losing Morgan Moses in free agency, the Jets entered the offseason needing help at right tackle. Okorafor provides additional depth alongside Max Mitchell and Carter Warren while potentially competing for the starting job.
