Chiefs receive good news regarding one key offseason item
KANSAS CITY – The Chiefs knew they had to fix the offensive line heading into the 2021 season, so they made the necessary moves to do so. It started with signing Joe Thuney and ended with drafting Trey Smith. But, at the time, the biggest move they made was the trade for Orlando Brown Jr. […]
KANSAS CITY – The Chiefs knew they had to fix the offensive line heading into the 2021 season, so they made the necessary moves to do so.
It started with signing Joe Thuney and ended with drafting Trey Smith. But, at the time, the biggest move they made was the trade for Orlando Brown Jr.
The Chiefs sent the Ravens their 2021 first-, third, and fourth-round picks, along with a 2022 fifth-rounder, in exchange for Brown Jr., the Ravens' 2021 second-round pick and a 2022 sixth-rounder. In return, Brown Jr. earned a Pro Bowl nod after a decent season manning the left tackle position.
The Chiefs decided to use the franchise tag on Brown Jr. this offseason. Brown Jr. has yet to sign the tag, but only because he's been enjoying the offseason while simultaneously searching for an agent to help him with the upcoming contract negotiations.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Brown Jr.'s search is over. He's found his guy in DSG Athletes' Michael Portner.
There's a reason why Brown Jr. chose Portner, per Garafolo, and that's because Portner doesn't "have prior relationships or friendships with any GM". This is Portner's first NFL contract negotiation.
Now, both sides can really start working on figuring out a long-term deal.
It's an interesting decision by Brown Jr. and it makes sense, overall. Portner won't have any relationships he's trying to maintain in regard to NFL GMs and front offices, therefore, he won't tread lightly when it comes to negotiations. At the same time, however, having friends in high places is never really a bad thing. NFL GMs and front offices are much more apt to reciprocate Portner's techniques, considering they don't know him, themselves.
Both sides have until July 15 to hammer out a long-term deal. If that can't be accomplished, Brown Jr. will sign the franchise tag (unless he surprisingly decides not to) and play under the $16.662 million tag in 2022.
The Chiefs currently have a little over $14.7 million in cap space and the team still needs to sign the draft class. If Brown Jr. plays under the tag, the entire $16.662 million salary will count toward 2022's salary cap.
Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
