National media outlet makes big prediction for Chiefs this spring
The Kansas City Chiefs have a couple of items on their “to-do list” they need to take care of this offseason
The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a Super Bowl victory in February, are in a good spot entering the offseason.
Kansas City doesn't have a lot of needs to address in free agency, but they still have a few items on their "to-do list" that they need to take care of this offseason.
And one of those needs is at left tackle.
The Chiefs have been unable to work out an extension with left tackle Orlando Brown Jr after trading a first-round pick to the Baltimore Ravens in early 2021 for the former Oklahoma standout.
Brown played on the franchise tag last season, but the Chiefs opted against placing the tag on Brown again this offseason.
That means Brown will be allowed to talk to other teams when the legal tampering period begins on Monday — which would seemingly signal that his time in Kansas City is over.
Pro Football Network's Dalton Miller, however, thinks the Chiefs will still find a way to come to an agreement with Brown on an extension.
From Pro Football Network: Orlando Brown Jr. avoids joining his third team in just six seasons by getting a deal done to remain the Chiefs’ left tackle for a few more seasons, protecting Patrick Mahomes from opposing pass rushers. The massive lineman played right tackle for years in Baltimore, but with Ronnie Stanley firmly cemented on the left side, Brown wanted out after stepping in during Stanley’s injury in 2020. It won’t be inexpensive, but Kansas City has already proven that they can thrive offensively with a somewhat underwhelming receiving corps because Mahomes is an alien behind an outstanding offensive line.
It's certainly possible that Kansas City could get a deal worked out with Brown this week, but left tackles are hard to find on the open market. And after Brown's solid finish to the 2022 season (he was great in the playoffs after a tough start to the season), there might be a team out there that's willing to throw a lot of cash at the four-time Pro Bowler.
If the Chiefs don't work out a deal with Brown, they'll need to scour the free agent market for a replacement or target a left tackle in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft (probably not the ideal path to take as it woudn't be wise to count on a rookie offensive tackle).
