Patriots starting LT leaves team after getting benched

New England Patriots offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Patriots place starting LT on exempt/left squad list, future with team in doubt

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Sep 14, 2024 5:18 PM ET

The New England Patriots signed Chukwuma Okorafor in the hopes that he could help solidify their left tackle spot this season.

That experiment has lasted 12 plays.

After Okorafor was benched early in the Pats' season-opening win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team placed him on the exempt/left squad list on Saturday just before its Week 2 game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Offensive lineman Michael Jordan has been added to the roster in his place.

Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported Okorafor told the team "he was leaving."

OT Chukwuma Okorafor informed the Patriots he was leaving, per source.

This is not a situation like the one with Matt Corral last season when the QB left without notice.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 14, 2024

MassLive Sports' Karen Guregian added that Okorafor is questioning his future.

Per source, Chuks Okorafor was placed on the Exempt/Left squad list because he's reconsidering if he still wants to play football. The team has been in touch with his representatives. Okorafor had signed a one-year deal with a base value of $4 million with the Patriots.
— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) September 14, 2024

Longtime Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss speculated that Okorafor will not play again for the Patriots this season.

For those wondering what this means, the Patriots receive a roster exemption for Okorafor until his status is finalized. They’ll roll with 52 for now and likely sign Michael Jordan to the 53-man roster early next week.

Opinion: Okorafor won’t play for Patriots again this year. https://t.co/f9NLMP5ZZt
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 14, 2024

All of this is eye-opening and noteworthy because Okorafor's time as a starter with his previous team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, ended when he reportedly "acted out" following a midseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars and for questioning the team's play-calling. The next week, he was replaced in the starting lineup.

The Patriots signed Okorafor to a one-year contract worth $4 million that could have been worth as much as $8 million with incentives and bonuses.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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