Patriots reportedly sign former Steelers OT Chukwuma Okorafor

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Whomever will play quarterback for the Patriots next season was given some extra help on Thursday.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New England has come to terms with offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor.

A 6-foot-6, 320-pound tackle, Okorafor was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He signed a three-year, $29.25 million contract extension with the Steelers in March of 2022, but was reportedly benched after Week 8 last year for criticizing the team's play-calling. Okafor was released by the team this past February.

Notably, most of Okafor's 59 starts over the last six seasons in Pittsburgh have been at right tackle, potentially putting Patriots starting RT Mike Onwenu's status with the team in jeopardy. Onwenu is set to hit free agency next week.

New England also re-signed ERFA's Austin and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. on Thursday.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: USA Today