FanSided NFL insider Matt Verderame gave an optimistic take on the Kansas City Chiefs negotiations with Orlando Brown Jr.
While the deadline to sign those given the franchise tag to a long-term deal has since passed, not all is lost in Kansas City, MO. The Chiefs have plenty to feel optimistic about, especially given the amount of cap space they have after the Tyreek Hill trade.
Brown and Brett Veach could not agree to a contract this time around, that much is clear. Brown wanted a historic extension, and while the Chiefs may eventually be forced to give in, paying that price for a tackle without some hard negotiation tactics first would be irresponsible from one of the best front office members in all of professional football.
Chiefs remain optimistic about Orlando Brown extension
Here was Verderame’s take on the matter, as his reporting has been at the forefront:
“My understanding is Kansas City wants to retain Brown long term. The Chiefs value him immensely, and thought he played very well in his first year protecting Patrick Mahomes. The deal didn’t get done this time, but there’s a good chance we’ll see these two sides negotiating again after the upcoming season.”
So, as you can see, Kansas City has every reason to assume an extension will eventually get done with Brown. The Chiefs have cap space — and they will surely have more once they move on from Frank Clark’s contract.
Protecting Patrick Mahomes long-term is their primary concern. Trading away his best weapon was already a risk that Veach and Andy Reid believe was worth taking. Letting Brown walk out the door is not in their best interest.
Brown will play on the franchise tag this season, which will pay him $16.6 million. Were he to play on a second tag, he’d make over $19 million.
Veach hopes matters don’t get to that point.