The Kansas City Chiefs shockingly decided not to use the franchise tag on impending free agent Orlando Brown. This means that the four-time Pro Bowl tackle has a clear path to the open market, but multiple reports state that Kansas City will continue negotiating and try to reach terms before the legal tampering period begins. However, according to NFL Network’s James Palmer, there is a “zero percent” chance that Brown signs a deal before free agency.
The #Chiefs still have a week to get a long term deal done with Orlando Brown Jr. @jamespalmerTV joined #TheDrive and gave his percentage chance the two sides get a deal done. pic.twitter.com/AGPyPfe34o
— 610SportsKC (@610SportsKC) March 6, 2023
“Zero Percent” Chance Orlando Brown Signs Contract With Chiefs Before Free Agency
An Inevitable Conclusion
Unfortunately for Chiefs fans, this report makes a lot of sense. Orlando Brown and the Chiefs have had the opportunity to exclusively negotiate for months now, and they haven’t been able to agree to terms. So, why would they finally find common ground now?
Additionally, Brown’s earning potential has never been higher than it is right now. Prior to Tuesday, the Chiefs could have prevented Brown from reaching the open market by using the franchise tag. During negotiations, blocking Brown’s path to the open market could have been used as leverage to try and make him agree to a long-term deal. However, now that the franchise tag window has passed, there is nothing stopping Brown from seeing what the other 31 teams have to offer.
Orlando Brown is going to reach free agency, but that doesn’t mean he won’t re-sign with the Chiefs anyway. All signs indicate that Kansas City wants to retain the left tackle on a long-term deal, and if nobody is handing out a ridiculous contract, the appeal of playing with Patrick Mahomes has to be a pretty good selling point.
Teams That Could Sign Orlando Brown
Orlando Brown will be the best offensive tackle on the open market, which means he’s about to receive a massive contract, from either the Chiefs or one of the other 31 teams. The quarterback is the most important position in football, and there is a strong case to be made that the second most important position is the man protecting the quarterback. Every team in the league wants to keep their quarterback as safe as possible, and there aren’t many better at that than Orlando Brown.
The Chicago Bears make perfect sense as a free agent fit, both in terms of money and need. Justin Fields will be the quarterback for at least one more season, and his wild style of play can be hard to block for. Fortunately, Brown has experience with an improvisational quarterback, having blocked for both Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. The Bears have a seemingly endless supply of cap space, so if they have their heart set on Brown, nobody can stop them from acquiring him.
The Las Vegas Raiders are going to have a new quarterback next year, but that passer isn’t going to stand much of a chance if they don’t improve their offensive line. Davante Adams, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow are great, but they won’t be much help if the quarterback is lying in the dirt. Josh McDaniels probably has just one more year to turn this thing around, so he should be going all-in on making the 2022 Raiders ready to compete.
Last but certainly not least is the Los Angeles Chargers. Rashawn Slater is already a great tackle and Jamaree Sayler showed plenty of promise, but this time the team could use another tackle. The Chargers know exactly how important depth is at the tackle position, and the combination of Brown and Slater would give Los Angeles the best blocking in the league. And, if injury struck, Sayler would be ready to step in and provide adequate protection.
Main Photo: Danny Medley – USA Today Sports
