With the draft over, Chiefs can continue negotiations with the left tackle
Natalie Temple @natalietemple18 Chiefs Focus @Chiefsfocus
Talks of a long-term contract for Orlando Brown are expected to heat up again following the 2022 draft.
Back in March, the Chiefs assigned a non-exclusive franchise tag worth $16,662,000 to Brown. Brown has until July 15 to either agree to play under the one-year tag or negotiate a long-term deal. But, discussions with Brown were put on hold prior to the draft, as the Tyreek Hill trade gave the Chiefs more flexibility with their salary cap.
Additionally, Brown did not have an agent at the time, and was deciding whether he wanted to find one or represent himself in the negotiations. The Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has said that neither side is in a rush to work out the contract.
With the 2022 draft in the rear view mirror, negotiations with Brown will most likely resume.
There are several reasons why a long-term contract with Brown could benefit the Chiefs. Prior to the 2021 season, the Chiefs gave up several draft picks in order to acquire Brown; in other words, his acquisition was costly. He then had a successful season as the Chiefs’ left tackle. An extension could also give the Chiefs more financial flexibility, since under the franchise tag, Brown would earn $16.6 million in one year. With a contract extension, although the contract would be more than $16 million, the Chiefs could spread out the financial burden over the course of several years and give them extra cap space for 2022.
As of March, Brown had not decided whether to hire an agent or represent himself in negotiations.
