Pittsburgh Steelers free agent signing described as 'risky' by NFL.com
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers' big free agency moves this offseason was re-signing offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor to a three-year extension worth $29.25 million (including $20 million in guaranteed money). Okorafor is a former third-round pick (2018) out of Western Michigan who has made 31 starts for the Steelers over the last two years. The […]
One of the Pittsburgh Steelers' big free agency moves this offseason was re-signing offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor to a three-year extension worth $29.25 million (including $20 million in guaranteed money).
Okorafor is a former third-round pick (2018) out of Western Michigan who has made 31 starts for the Steelers over the last two years.
The extension for Okorafor was definitely a bit pricey, but it keeps Pittsburgh from having to use a draft pick on a right tackle in the first round, allowing the team to address some other areas of need (maybe quarterback).
NFL.com went a step further than calling the signing "pricey". They listed it among their riskiest moves of the 2022 offseason.
Chukwuma Okorafor: The deal is for three years and $29.25 million, with $20 million guaranteed. Okorafor finished 61st out of 83 tackles graded by PFF last year and essentially got the same contract as La'el Collins from the Bengals.
NFL.com brings up a couple of good points there. Okorafor didn't grade well last season. And Collins, a more talented offensive lineman, received a similar contract.
But I think some context would help here.
For starters, Collins is a risk, too. The former LSU star was suspended the first five games of the 2021 season for allegedly trying to bribe a drug test collector before a drug test.
Then there's the fact that Pittsburgh's offensive line will operate a bit differently in 2022.
We should see Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada unleash his full offense — which includes a lot of shifts and motion — this season with Mitch Trubisky under center. Okorafor should be a better fit blocking for Trubisky than he was for the slow-footed Ben Roethlisberger.
Something else to note: Okorafor is only 24 (he turns 25 in August), so he still has plenty of room to grow. This is a deal that could look like a bargain in a year if Okorafor takes off this season in Canada's new offense.
Featured image via Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
