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

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor is once again a free agent. He was once viewed as a key player in the resurgent Chiefs defense, coming to Kansas City on a three-year, $18-million deal in 2019. He recorded five sacks in 10 games before an injury sidelined him until the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers.

After that first season, Okafor took a pay cut for the team. He reduced his salary-cap figure for the upcoming season by $2 million and voided the final year of his original deal. That move proved beneficial for the Chiefs, as Okafor only logged three sacks and 16 combined tackles in 2020. He did not start any games, serving as a rotational player for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He only played in 39% of Kansas City’s 2020 defensive snaps, a noticeable drop from 2019’s 62% mark.

Okafor was not resigned during that season and left at the season’s end. However, heading into training camp last summer, with Melvin Ingram signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans and analysts clamored for his return. The team lacked explosive edge rushers, and defensive end Frank Clark was a prime-cut candidate. While Okafor did not bring much to the team, his depth and veteran experience were enticing.

A look at the upcoming free agency of Alex Okafor and what it means for the Chiefs.

So, in late July 2021, Okafor re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year, minimum-salary deal. While the Chiefs kept Clark and started defensive lineman Chris Jones on the edge, Okafor came back with low expectations. The then-30-year-old was not sought after on the free-agent market but came back to a mutually beneficial scenario.

In a Chiefs offseason where every penny counts, Okafor was hardly a re-sign priority before the season’s end. Will his veteran presence and experience translate to another deal in Kansas City, or is it time for the two parties to part ways?

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.

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.