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Mike Vrabel Sends Patriot Who Quit on Team Packing After 1 Month on Job

By Cem Yolbulan

Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the New England Patriots head coach at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; Mike Vrabel addresses media at a press conference to announce his hiring as the New England Patriots head coach at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images / Eric Canha-Imagn Images
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A busy offseason awaits the New England Patriots. After another 4-13 season in 2024, the Patriots already made big changes to kickstart their offseason. Mike Vrabel was hired to replace head coach Jerod Mayo and both the offensive and defensive coordinators were changed. This will be followed by sweeping changes on the roster as well.

In fact, Vrabel already began to make his presence felt. The Patriots cut ties with a disappointing veteran who quit on the team last season. Per ESPN's Field Yates, the team is releasing offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor before free agency officially kicks off in March.

Patriots Release Chuks Okorafor Ahead of Free Agency

Okorafor was set to become a free agent this offseason but this move gives him an additional month to look for a new team. This means that Okorafor's time in New England only lasted one game and a total of 12 snaps.

The Patriots signed the former Steelers starter in the 2024 offseason to make him the starting left tackle. In Week 1 against the Bengals, Okorafor was benched in the first half after a slow start. He was then placed on the exempt/left squad list before Week 2. He never returned to the team after the five-day exemption period expired, effectively ending his season.

The former third-round pick now has a chance to revive his career elsewhere. Considering how so many teams are looking to bolster their trenches, Okorafor will likely get a look in training camp with the hopes of securing another deal.

The Patriots, on the other hand, will continue to invest resources to improve their offensive line through free agency and the draft.

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