Patriots 2024 free agency tracker: Offseason moves, signings
Here’s a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the New England Patriots and how each will impact the upcoming season:
The Patriots have agreed to terms with the former Steeler, a source confirms.
What it means: The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Okorafor was a top option because the offensive line badly needs reinforcements and Okorafor was available after being released by the Steelers in a cost-cutting move on Feb. 12. Okorafor turns 27 in August; he’s still in his prime years, even though he fell out of favor in Pittsburgh last season when he was benched in favor of rookie Broderick Jones at right tackle.
So the Patriots, under new OL coaches Scott Peters and Robert Kugler, will hope a change of scenery helps Okorafor realize some of the potential the Steelers saw him in when they selected him in the third round of the 2018 draft. The Patriots still hope to retain their own right tackle, Mike Onwenu.
What’s the risk: Depending on the financial commitment, there isn’t major risk. The main thing will be how Okorafor transitions to a new culture/scheme, which can sometimes be challenging to project.