Outside of quarterback, there is a case to be made that the most important position in football is offensive tackle. It’s hard to find an elite player at the position in today’s day and age, but that opportunity will arise for whichever team signs free agent Orlando Brown. Widely considered one of the best in the business, every single team in the league would love to have a player like Brown on their roster. However, these five teams have the bets chance of signing the four-time Pro Bowler.
Kansas City can still work out a long-term deal with their standout LT. But the tag number is too high. Brown could become a free agent. https://t.co/9kDqGmf0xn
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
Top 5 Orlando Brown Free Agent Team Fits, Ranked
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Ever since they traded for him, Orlando Brown has been everything the Kansas City Chiefs could have possibly wanted. Blocking for Patrick Mahomes isn’t always easy, as the quarterback’s penchant for improvisation means that offensive linemen needs to hold their blocks longer than they would for, say, Tom Brady. That being said, Brown has proven he’s up for this task and has played at an incredibly high level over the past few years. Super Bowl 55 showed what happens when Mahomes doesn’t get the protection he needs, so the Chiefs should do everything they can to bring Brown back for another season. And while he will command a large salary, the Chiefs can make the cap space work.
In Retrospect, this is the play that showed that the Chiefs offense wasn't going to be stopped in the second half. 13 personnel on second and short, usually of the Play-Action variety. The Chiefs ran it right at Philly. Watch Orlando Brown. pic.twitter.com/Vgp7Q7Q7se
— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) February 20, 2023
2. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have more cap space than any other team in the league, and that’s a good thing since they also have needs at just about every position. The Bears have their franchise quarterback in Justin Fields, so their next priority should be finding a way to keep him upright and healthy. Much like Mahomes, Fields’ style of play will naturally lead to a higher amount of hits and pressures, but a strong offensive line can still go a long way in aiding the Ohio State product.
3. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are going to draft a quarterback early in the 2023 NFL Draft. In order for that player to succeed, they’ll need to stay on their feet. The Colts had one of the worst offensive lines in football last year, and asking young player to thrive behind that offensive line is asking a lot. If Orlando Brown can help the Colts develop a young prospect into a franchise cornerstone, then he’ll be worth every penny.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders released Derek Carr because they felt his money could be better utilized on other parts of the roster. Well, it’s hard to think of a better way to use that money than by improving one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Whether it’s a veteran or a rookie, whoever’s under center in 2023 will need better blocking if they hope to make it through the year.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have two good tackles in Rashawn Slater and Jamaree Salyer. The problem is that both of them are better suited for the left side of the offensive line. While Slater did play right tackle in college, and it is possible they move him back to that side of the line, it’s also worth noting that Orlando Brown has played right tackle at the NFL level. Teams needs three good tackles in today’s NFL, and the trio of Slater, Brown, and Salyer would easily be the best in the league. Both Slater and Brown are top-10 players at their position, and Salyer proved last year that he can come off the bench and play at a starting-caliber level.
Main Photo: Danny Medley – USA Today Sports
