FOXBORO, Mass. — Chukwuma Okorafor’s future with the New England Patriots seems in doubt.
The Patriots placed the veteran tackle on the exempt/left squad list on Saturday after Okorafor reportedly informed the team he’s unsure about continuing to play football. Okorafor was benched after starting New England’s Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and was off the roster for Sunday’s overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
After listening to head coach Jerod Mayo speak about Okorafor before and after Sunday’s game, it’s hard to envision the veteran tackle suiting up for the Patriots again.
What’s Going on With Chukwuma Okorafor?
Okorafor began the summer as New England’s projected top left tackle. He initially showed promise but struggled with procedural penalties and pass protection and eventually saw work at right tackle, his primary position.
Along the way, rumors indicated Okorafor was an enigma behind the scenes and resistant to switching to left tackle.
Nevertheless, Okorafor started at left tackle in Week 1 — and it didn’t go well. The 27-year-old was benched after 12 dreadful snaps and didn’t play again in the Patriots’ season-opening win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Mayo hinted at work ethic issues when asked about Okorafor the next day.
Credit to the Patriots for pulling LT Chukwuma Okorafor for Vederian Lowe mid-drive. They probably don't win if that move isn't made. This couldn't keep happening. pic.twitter.com/hAmq01dT3X
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 9, 2024
Okorafor practiced all week as the No. 2 left tackle behind Lowe. Then, on Saturday, he was placed on the always-mysterious exempt/left squad list, meaning he won’t count against the 53-man roster until his situation is resolved.
So, what’s going on?
The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed reported that Okorafor told the Patriots he was leaving the team. MassLive’s Karen Guregian added that Okorafor is “frustrated with his play” and is “reconsidering if he still wants to play football.”
Ultimately, it would be a surprise to see Okorafor remain in New England.
“Sources close to the situation (are) not expecting him to play for the Patriots this season,” ESPN’s Mike Reiss wrote.
Okorafor signed a one-year, $4 million contract during the offseason with $3.125 million guaranteed. Reiss suggested that Okorafor and the Patriots could negotiate to determine how much of the guaranteed money Okorafor would receive.
Jerod Mayo Comments on Okorafor’s Patriots Future
Mayo was asked about Okorafor during a pregame interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Scott Zolak.
“I had a conversation with Chuks,” Mayo said Sunday morning. “First, it had nothing to do with football. I called him. It had everything to do with the man. I wanted to make sure he was good, in a good head space, and, really … taking into consideration if this is what he wanted to do.
“But, once again, I look at these as long-term relationships and care more about the individual than anything else.”
LIVE: Patriots Postgame Press Conferences: https://t.co/YrYq2K730c
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 15, 2024
Mayo sang a similar tune during his postgame news conference but added, “We’ll see what happens tomorrow.”
Although Mayo seemingly is leaving the door open for Okorafor’s return, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the 27-year-old tackle is leaning toward retiring.
Either way, the Patriots probably aren’t counting on Okorafor to help them anytime soon.
Who Are the New England Patriots’ Other Tackle Options?
Okorafor’s departure left the Patriots concerningly thin at offensive tackle, and the situation got even worse on Sunday.
Lowe suffered a knee injury late in the game and didn’t return. Rookie Caedan Wallace filled in for overtime and appears in line to start Thursday night’s game against the New York Jets if Lowe is unavailable.
Lowe declined to speak to reporters in the locker after the game, but Pro Football Network caught up with Wallace.
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“Super prepared,” Wallace said when asked about possibly starting Thursday in New York. “It’s what I’ve been doing since I got here. So, I’m excited. Ready to get after it.”
Wallace primarily played right tackle in college but worked at both tackle spots during training camp. The rookie believes he’s made significant improvements but still has work to do.
“I’ve improved on my mental stuff — pre-snap, during the snap, different reads I have to do,” Wallace said. “Getting better and faster at those. Things I want to improve on: honestly, everything. I come out every day, pick something new to work on. Just continue to work with my hands, feet placement. Things like that.”
The Patriots also have veterans Demontrey Jacobs and Zach Thomas, both of whom were claimed off waivers after roster cutdowns. Thomas was active against the Seahawks, but Jacobs was a healthy scratch.
Thomas is tricky, as he’s listed as a tackle on the official roster and has tackle experience but has played guard since joining the Patriots.
The only practice squad tackle is Caleb Jones, who’s a 6’9″ developmental project. New England will likely add more tackle depth next week.
