It was quite interesting in the middle of February that it took the Pittsburgh Steelers eight days to officially release former offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor, especially after the team announced they released him the same day as quarterback Mitch Trubisky and punter Pressley Harvin III.
Turns out, it was because the Steelers were actively engaged in trade talks regarding Okorafor.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger, the Steelers were talking with some teams regarding a trade of Okorafor. Ultimately, nothing came to pass and the Steelers released him officially on Feb. 20.
“Okorafor is a capable starting right tackle, and there was enough trade interest after his release was announced that the Steelers held onto him for a few days to see if they could work something out with a new club,” Spielberger writes regarding Okorafor, highlighting him as one of the best deals on the first day of the legal tampering window.