As training camp is currently underway at the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility, veteran defensive end Alex Okafor did the team a solid on Monday afternoon.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Okafor helped the Chiefs free up over $2 million in cap space by agreeing to restructure his contract that previously had two seasons left. Under his new deal, the seven-year vet is scheduled to make $4.96 million in 2020, including roster bonuses of $860k and $2 million in incentives.
According to Spotrac.com, Okafor would have been a $7.2 million cap in 2020 before he restructured the three-year deal he signed in 2019.
Okafor’s new contract also shaved a season off his previous one, meaning, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent following the 2020 campaign instead of waiting until the 2022 off-season to hit the open market.
Meaning Okafor’s days in Kansas City could be numbered as soon as the 2020 season comes to an end. It also suggests the team may already be preparing to move from him in favor of their young talent.
The Chiefs have a long line of young defensive ends including, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Taco Charleton, Breeland Speaks, and Mike Dana, to eventually take over the starting spot opposite Frank Clark as soon as the 2021 season.
In 2019, Okafor missed six games due to injury and was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn pectoral in Week 15 against Denver. In 10 games, he finished with 22 tackles (15 solo) and five sacks.
