If Orlando Brown Jr. is on the market, these three teams should send the Baltimore Ravens something in return.
Although it didn’t seem like something to watch, there’s a reason to be watching now. Could Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. want out from his current team?
The Ravens were forced to move the third-year right tackle over to the blindside following the season-ending injury to All-Pro Ronnie Stanley. Brown was terrific making the switch over from the right side, looking just like his dad, Orlando “Zeus” Brown, protecting Lamar Jackson.
This led to Brown earlier this year tweeting his thoughts on actually being stuck at the right tackle spot instead of being a left tackle. It’s not about the money either, it’s about playing the position his father played before him.
The Ravens won’t be able to make that happen with Brown. The team agreed to a lucrative deal with Stanley earlier in the year, coming to terms on a five-year, $98.75 million contract extension. Entering a contract year himself, Brown could want to be moved new to show teams he’s worth top dollar after 2021.
Eric DeCosta will need to find the right offer, but these three teams make plenty of sense.
Three teams that should trade for Orlando Brown Jr.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
What happens when an All-Pro quarterback plays without a right tackle, a left tackle and a right guard? Pure pain for four quarters. That was Patrick Mahomes‘ story on Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers front seven in Super Bowl LV.
The Buccaneers’ defensive line only picked up three sacks, but they tallied over nine pressures and made Mahomes run for his life. Eric Fisher could be a cap causality this offseason and Mitchell Schwartz might call it an early career.
Both positions could be open next season should Kansas City move off Fisher and save $11.5 million. This would mean Kansas City would also have to cut ties with multiple players in the offseason just to secure Brown is not a rental option. So long as they keep their first-round pick, they should be set on the offensive line.
Brown is an upgrade on both sides due to youth and health. Mahomes’ window is wide open, but the AFC gap is closing little by little, so bank on it while the iron is hot.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins is going to be the quarterback. Yes, that’s going to be the case and all the fans complaining about will need to understand that. Cousins is staying in Minneapolis, moving on.
The 32-year-old was far from the biggest problem last season. Poor defensive execution and a lackluster offensive line made the Vikings’ midseason hot streak cool faster than December at U.S. Bank Stadium. Take one look back at the playmakers from 2020. Imagine them behind a good offensive line?
Yikes.
Minnesota would likely need to part ways with their second-round and third-round picks in 2021 and perhaps a 2022 mid-round selection. The team added their third-rounder thanks to the Yannick Ngakoue deal, but they can send it right back for a franchise left tackle. Although they’ll need to restructure some contracts, the Vikings still could sign Brown to a long-term deal by midseason.
The NFC North is a bit more open than people think. Offensive line play will be key, meaning for the right price, Brown could be the reason Cousins and Minnesota excels in 2021.
1. Indianapolis Colts
It’ll cost money and it’ll cost a decent pick for Brown to be moved. Guess what? The Indianapolis Colts have both heading into the offseason. Best of all, they have a need at left tackle with the retirement of Anthony Castonzo.
Chris Ballard will be doing his best to keep the Colts relevant with savvy deals in the offseason. The team is considering adding Carson Wentz, but what good is that should they be without a left tackle that can keep him upright? Plus, they’re in win-now mode with multiple stars on rookie deals.
Would the Colts be willing to part ways with the 21st pick in April’s draft? They might have to after Laremy Tunsil went for two first-round picks back before the start of the 2019 season. Still, if they can add a cheaper option at quarterback, the offensive line will be complete and near impossible to beat on any given snap.
Indianapolis has a top-10 rushing attack, quality receivers and a stout offensive line. The Colts need a left tackle and a quarterback to make the offense complete. Brown divides that need in half and is worth the price of one — just one — first-round pick.