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

Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor (97) leaves the field after the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 24, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws before pressure from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor (97) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Recommendation

Kansas City fans were excited with the first Okafor signing. The defense was viewed as Kansas City’s biggest weakness, and Okafor only improved the unit. He won his first Super Bowl in his first year as a Chief, setting high expectations for his tenure. But that was then, and this is now.

Simply put, Okafor is not the same player he was three years ago. Age and wear stay undefeated in football and Okafor is on the wrong side of both. Okafor came back to Kansas City on a veteran-minimum deal and had a veteran-minimum impact. He never lived fully up to his expectations, but he still provided fans with many good moments and a memorable Super Bowl.

No bad blood here, but Okafor should not return unless necessary.

Prediction

Okafor and Kansas City only engage in talks if the Chiefs do not draft an EDGE in the 2022 draft. Even then, he will not be a top option to return.

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