Raiders should go after Orlando Brown Jr. if Chiefs let him walk
The Las Vegas Raiders have money to spend, and could use some of that by potentially snatching up one of their rivals possible future free agents
The Las Vegas Raiders need offensive line help, and they need it badly, especially because we still don't really know who their quarterback will be. But, they could grab one of the best left tackles in the league this free agency, as recent news suggests he may be available.
The best part is the Raiders already know who it is because they played him twice this last season. Orlando Brown Jr., the Chiefs left tackle for the last two years, has been one of the best in the league. And, the Chiefs announced on Monday that they will not be franchise-tagging him again.
So, that leaves an opportunity for the Raiders to improve an area that was poor last year, without having to use their number seven pick on an offensive lineman.
Carr was sacked 27 times last season, and he missed two games too. The unit started the season terribly, whereas he was sacked by the Chargers six times in Week 1. It progressively got better, but not to where it should be.
They were still continuously allowing pressure and the pocket to collapse, no matter who the quarterback was. That needs to be fixed if they want a shot to make things right in 2023.
They can afford Brown Jr. too. Per spotrac, his projected annual market value is $22.4 million, but it would be worth it considering you are getting not only one of the best linemen in free agency but one of the best players in the class as well. The four-time Pro Bowler is still only 26-years-old, so locking him up on a long-term deal wouldn't be bad.
Kolton Miller is the left tackle for the Raiders as he played over 1,000 snaps at that position last season, and even in a down year like this one where he allowed four sacks, he was still very good.
Luckily for Brown Jr., he played right tackle before when he was with the Baltimore Ravens, so it wouldn't be unfamiliar to move him to the right side. Honestly, either guy could play either side, and that would make the Raiders have one of the best tackle duos in the league.
That would be great for a rookie quarterback to come in with as well.
Look at a guy like Justin Fields with the Bears, who was sacked more than anyone last year at 55 times. Or even Trevor Lawrence the year before. The Raiders would have the luxury of an above-average offensive line for a rookie quarterback.
They should definitely target Brown Jr. if he's available.
