Chiefs: PFF predicts what will happen with Orlando Brown Jr.
One of the biggest mysteries of the Kansas City Chiefs offseason could be something we don’t expect based on a recent prediction
The Kansas City Chiefs usually don't have a ton of stuff going on during the offseason when it comes to drama or signing one of the best players in the league. That just hasn't happened as of late.
Well, I take that back, there was drama last off-season when Orlando Brown Jr. turned down a big contract, held out of most of training camp, then returned just to get tagged. And by a blessing in disguise, he had a worse year in 2022, which will only lower his value from last season to this season.
The Chiefs now have the decision to make on Brown Jr. again. No one really knows what they will do either. Sure, they could give him a big deal. or they could tag him again. I mean heck, they could let him walk for nothing.
In fact, the latter is what Pro Football Focus thinks will happen. They have Brown Jr. signing with the New England Patriots.
The Patriots are expected to let 2018 first-round pick tackle Isaiah Wynn walk in free agency after a tumultuous 2022 campaign, and Trent Brown is not a long-term solution at either tackle spot but can hypothetically slide back over to the right side. It’s possible the Chiefs place a second consecutive franchise tag on Brown and/or work out a multi-year deal, but Patrick Mahomes’ elite ability to not let pressures become sacks makes it unnecessary to make a top-of-market investment on the blindside. Brown didn’t do much to change his perception this year; he is a good but not great tackle. New England has been aggressive in free agency in recent years and is desperate for help at the position, though. Brown earned a 60.0-plus pass-blocking grade in every 2022 contest from Week 5 on, with 11 grades above 70.0 over the stretch. He’d be a massive addition to this Patriots tackle group.
Brown Jr. had an underwhelming season, but a few bad games in the playoffs. Per PFF advanced stats, Brown Jr. allowed seven pressures against Cincinnati in the AFC Championship game. Patrick Mahomes was going through it on that left side.
But, he still didn't allow a sack in the postseason. If you ask me, that says more about Mahomes' mobility even with the injury, because it felt like every pass play Mahomes was being pressured from the left side.
I'm honestly fine with the possibility of the Chiefs letting Brown Jr. walk, but, they would need to go and draft a left tackle, or sign another in free agency.
It will be interesting to see what happens.
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