4 players who are playing their way out of the Steelers plans in 2024

4. Chukwuma Okorafor, Offensive Tackle

I was not a fan of the substantial contract extension the Pittsburgh Steelers handed Chukwuma Okorafor during the 2022 offseason. The former 3rd-round pick wasn't a bust as a selection, but it was naive of Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert to believe that he was the offensive tackle of the future for this team.

Despite being in his sixth NFL season, Okorafor has made very few improvements to his game over the years. He still struggles with power and has the occasional mental lapse. It also doesn't help that the veteran was benched due to comments about the state of the team this year.

Now the Steelers have a $13 million dollar offensive tackle riding their bench and collecting game checks. Sure, Okorafor makes for quality depth as a swing tackle in the event of an injury to Broderick Jones or Dan Moore Jr. (Chuks has starting experience at both left and right tackle). But the price is far too steep for his now limited role.

Maybe the Steelers could sucker some tackle-needy team into trading for Okorafor during the 2024 offseason. If not, the veteran should be released. Pittsburgh could save $8.75 million by trading or cutting him next offseason, and that salary cap money is more important than the current role he serves on the team.

All salary cap and contract numbers courtesy of Over the Cap.