Chiefs predicted to make big decision with questionable player
It’s beginning to look increasingly likely that the Kansas City Chiefs will use the franchise tag in 2023. The Chiefs, who tagged LT Orlando Brown Jr. in 2021, could very well wind up franchise tagging Brown in 2022, according to Spotrac. Brown wants to be paid like premier left tackle, but his production simply hasn’t […]
It’s beginning to look increasingly likely that the Kansas City Chiefs will use the franchise tag in 2023. The Chiefs, who tagged LT Orlando Brown Jr. in 2021, could very well wind up franchise tagging Brown in 2022, according to Spotrac.
Brown wants to be paid like premier left tackle, but his production simply hasn’t matched that of an elite blindside blocker. In 2022, Brown allowed the fifth-most total pressures and second-most quarterback hurries under a true pass set, per Pro Football Focus.
Unfortunately this puts the Chiefs in a position to overpay for his services whether they elect to tag him or extend him. Re-investing in a player with lackluster play is always going to be a gamble, but the Chiefs’ hands might be tied in the matter.
If Brown is franchise tagged, the Chiefs will owe him $19.994 million in 2023. However, using the tag has its advantages.
Temporary Solution
Kansas City could use the franchise tag as a placeholder while the two parties continue to negotiate a contract extension this offseason. It buys the Chiefs some time to figure out the rest of its roster and how it all fits under the salary cap allotment.
If it wasn’t made clear during Kansas City’s Super Bowl parade, the Chiefs plan on making it back to another Super Bowl next season. To do that, they’ll likely have to spend money to fill roster holes in free agency. The franchise tag allows them to be flexible early on in free agency while retaining Brown, who certainly has plenty of potential on the outside.
Using the franchise tag is never an ideal scenario for either side. However, it might be what makes the most sense as the Chiefs begin to navigate the offseason and jump whatever salary cap hurdles might stand in its way.
Featured image via Kyle Terada – USA TODAY Sports
