Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor recently signed a three-year, $29.25 million contract extension this offseason. The 24-year-old was selected in the third round by the Steelers in the 2018 NFL Draft. Now, after four seasons in the league, he's locked up through the 2024 season. In an interview with 93.7 The Fan, Okorafor discussed one of his goals for his career.
"The goal is to play with one team for every year in the league, how many ever years it is. Knowing what to expect with the coaching, players, and the team, that's what means the most to me."
Okorafor has been an integral piece to the rebuilding of the Steelers' offensive line over the past few years. Following the retirements of David DeCastro, Ramon Foster, and Maurkice Pouncey, the line was in a bit of flux. The unit has since been rebuilt with guys like Okorafor and second-year tackle Dan Moore Jr., along with offseason signings Mason Cole and James Daniels. Even sophomore Kendrick Green still likely figures to be a part to the Steelers' future plans, even if it means just as a depth piece. New OL coach Pat Meyer will look to help the group improve in 2022, as it begins with their communication.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer instructs during OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Wednesday, June 1, 2022.(Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Western Michigan product seemed to make some improvements in his fourth year in the league last season. Some questioned whether he was worth nearly $10 million per year, but offensive tackles are a premier position. As a result, money will be spent on the position, whether you have an elite tackle or just an average one. It's not a bad thing to hear Okorafor say he wants to spend his whole career with one team, which would obviously be the Steelers. Additionally, he mentioned how the offensive line wants to stay together for awhile.
Steelers' Okorafor on the OL's future plans:
That's kind of the plan now for us, whoever the five, four guys are gonna be to play together for the next 3, 4, 5 years.
This is a bit reminiscent of the the prime-2010s Steelers, as their offensive line seemed to be the glue of the team. They were always one of the best in football, led by DeCastro, Pouncey, Foster, and tackle Alejandro Villanueva. Chemistry plays a huge role in building something like that, which seems to be what Okorafor and company are aiming for. While the OL room remains young, Okorafor, Moore, Green, and Kevin Dotson have been together for an extended period of time. Moore and Green enter their second seasons, while Dotson enters his third.
What do you guys, SteelerNation, think? Would you take Okorafor as a Steeler for the rest of his career? Or do you need to see more out of him first? Let us know in the comments below!
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