KC Chiefs free agent profile: Will Alex Okafor return in 2022?

Why bring him back?

Despite some highlights, there are not many tangible reasons to bring Okafor back.

Okafor’s best game came during the Week 14 48-9 blowout of the Las Vegas Raiders. He recorded 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. In that game, Okafor looked like the player Kansas City signed back in 2019. Okafor posted pedestrian numbers for the other 16 games, however.

Advanced stats show Okafor still contributed to the Chiefs pass rush, with 13 quarterback pressures and five hurries, his highest since 2018. His six quarterback knockdowns tied his career-high. Okafor was getting to the quarterback, but not as effectively as he once did.

But hey, he had a cool special teams moment, right?

Okafor was on the field for 41% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps, similar to fellow free agents defensive back Mike Hughes and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi. Okafor’s workload did not decrease much after Kansas City traded for Melvin Ingram surprisingly. Ultimately, Okafor has been an important depth player for years in Kansas City.

Why let him leave?

Okafor is not the player to beat Father Time. He turned 31 on Feb. 8, 2022, not the ideal age to negotiate a new deal. Okafor’s stats have not improved in recent years, either holding steady or declining. Okafor has a ceiling on what a player he is now. He is a veteran player who can provide some depth. No more, or much less.

In recent years, research has proven that the average defensive end starts to decline after age 29. Okafor is two years ahead of that decline, already a quiet victory for him and the Chiefs. Kansas City would be wise to consider Okafor’s imminent physical decline during free-agent negotiations.

Also, there are young defensive ends who could take Okafor’s reps for cheaper. Joshua Kaindoh and Mike Danna are still progressing, but more game experience will certainly help their case.

Lastly, the pass rush was atrocious in Kansas City last year. The team ranked well below the league averages in sacks and sack rate. That is hardly the result any team wants, especially considering the investment in the unit. Even though Okafor was not a starter or huge financial albatross, he was still a member of the underperforming unit. Okafor did not jump out in what reps he had, not helping his case at all.