Grading Steelers intriguing free agent signings early in the process

Chukwuma Okorafor, OT, 3 years, $29.25 million

Chukwuma (Chuks) Okorafor was a player that many people were shocked to be re-signed by the Steelers. The project right tackle is still just 24-years-old and that helped garner him some interest in the open market. Okorafor decided to negotiate a new deal with the club that drafted him.

For better or worse, this marriage between team and player continues in this case. Okorafor has been this club’s starting right tackle for the past two seasons and it hasn’t been the best. He has grown in pass protection but his lack of skill at run-blocking has been disappointing.

It was a head-scratcher at the time, but Pittsburgh felt they needed someone there to start if they cannot add in the draft. They bring back this player on a deal that needs him to prove himself next season as the starter for the future. If not, then the team could release him without any cap concerns moving forward.

Grade: C+

It seemed like this player was on the outs, but this is a team-friendly deal that allows the player to bet on himself. If he can’t prove himself to the coaches, then he can be released from this deal without any problems going forward. This isn’t an upgrade, but it allows for a starter to be in place for this season if you can’t draft a better player in April.