5 Steelers we already know will (probably) be gone in 2024

Steelers may cut Chukwuma Okorafor

We have now gone from expiring contracts to likely cap casualties. The first of which is longtime starting tackle Chukwuma Okorafor. The former third-round pick has seemingly reached his ceiling as a player. That ceiling is a very average right tackle who has some stretches of poor play.

That isn’t the inherent issue, as you could do worse than have Okorafor as your right tackle. The issue is his contract, as he will be entering the final year of his deal and have a cap hit of nearly 12 million. Pittsburgh can save nearly all of that cap space by releasing him before his roster bonus is due next season.

Could the Steelers feasibly keep Okorafor? I guess, but having that much money tied into a mediocre player isn’t smart. This team has shown a willingness to invest in this line, and they should continue to do so next season.

Dan Moore could move over to the right side and let Broderick Jones take the reigns as the left tackle. From there, a free agent or rookie could be brought in to compete with Moore on the right side. Assuming it is a rookie, that should cut the costs on a line slightly and still provide as good of play as what Okorafor is currently giving you.

With his contract being as easy as it is to get out of and his play not being anything exceptional, I expect 2024 to be the final season of Okorafor in the black and gold. The team can easily get by without him and with little drop-off in play. Don’t be surprised when he is released in the offseason.