Part 3/5:
Following the revelation of Okorfor’s intentions to leave, he was placed on the exempt squad list and never returned for another game. His absence left the Patriots in a precarious position, scrambling to fill the void at left tackle. The struggles upfront had dire implications, severely impacting the performance of both quarterback Jacoby Brissett and rookie Drake May throughout the season.
Viera Low stepped up to fill the gap, but it was clear he was more suited as a depth player than a full-time starter. The revolving door at the left tackle position created a lack of continuity that the Patriots could not afford.