The first full day of the 2022 NFL Combine is in the books and it was a busy day for the Kansas City Chiefs. While media sessions are scheduled throughout the week for NFL prospects, it’s also a time we hear from head coaches and general managers as well. Both Andy Reid and Brett Veach of the Chiefs spoke on Tuesday.
Reid and Veach went back to back in the main media hall set up at the Indianapolis Convention Center and shed some light on a number of scenarios. Here’s a rundown of the first day and what we learned about the Chiefs on Tuesday.
The tag will “likely” be used
While it’s possible that all sides will find a magic way to line up their expectations quickly and quietly, the truth is that the Chiefs admitted on Tuesday that they will “likely” use the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
The truth is that a long-term extension is going to get done at some point this offseason. Right now, the mechanics of it just aren’t yet in place to sign, which means the Chiefs will circumvent any potential deadline with free agency looming by applying the cap. From there, they give themselves some breathing room to get a long-term deal done.
Brown is going to want the security of a long-term deal and the Chiefs aren’t going to want to poison the well with any ill will. They knew Brown’s wishes contractually even before they ever traded for him a year ago, so this is a contract extension that’s a matter of when, not if. The tag just gives the Chiefs a bit more runway into the spring and summer.
Anthony Hitchens, mentor?
When asked about the release of linebacker Anthony Hitchens in February, the assumption was that his tenure was ended at four seasons. Veach brought up the idea that a revolving door on Tuesday that could bring him back for a fifth season, if the market makes such a move possible.
Veach’s never say never approach here could leave the door open for Hitchens to come back later this offseason if the free agent market doesn’t offer him the sort of payday he might expect for still being so young with a championship under his belt. The Chiefs released him with one season left on a five-year, $45 million deal, so Hitchens has already made himself wealthy in the league. How much more he wants/needs is impossible to say, however.
Veach did praise Hitchens for his professionalism, production, and his mentorship of younger players like Willie Gay Jr. in particular. Together with Nick Bolton, Hitchens is now on the outside looking for most defensive formations, but as a third rotational linebacker and security for injury, he could play an important mentoring role.. Not saying it will happen, but it will be interesting to wait and see.
Dialogue with Tyrann’s reps
The NFL Combine is the key place for teams to be able to check medical records, conduct interviews, and watch workouts for hundreds of prospects hoping to make the leap to the professional level. However, as Veach detailed, it’s also a key time for a general manager to connect with the agent or representative of a veteran player as well. That’s why this week is important for Veach and Tyrann Mathieu‘s reps to get together.
Veach stated that the team has been quite busy evaluating their 2021 season and figuring out the best way to move forward into a new offseason. From there, he’s now turning his attention to the Combine and prospect evals, knowing it also gives him a chance to dialogue with Mathieu’s side.
The safety is looking at potentially hitting the open market once again in his career after an incredible three-season stint with the Chiefs that featured two team MVP awards, two Pro Bowls, and two first-team All-Pro appearances—not to mention the Super Bowl win. Will he return:? The Chiefs need the price to be right but further discussions cannot hurt and that’s happening sometime this week for Veach.
Charvarius Ward hits FA
The Chiefs steadiest cornerback of the last few years has been Charvarius Ward and his ascent to becoming such a reliable starter on the boundary. Now he’s going to be rewarded in free agency and it seems as if the Chiefs are willing to let him hit the market. That said, Veach made no secret of his hopes to entice him to come back for another season or several in K.C.
“We’d love to have Charvarius back. He’s a talented player. He’s done well in our scheme. Coaches like him. I like him,” said Veach. The Chiefs GM went on to say that he looked forward to spending a lot more time with Ward in the next few weeks, meaning there is at least some effort happening to reach a potential deal before a new league year begins.
Eric Bieniemy confusion addressed
it was interesting to see how Andy Reid came out to confront the reported enmity between Eric Bieniemy and his fellow coaches and/or players. In recent weeks, Bieniemy has been the subject of some Chiefs fan fiction with oddly specific stories about being on the outs that simply didn’t hold up when examined closely.
On Tuesday, Reid spoke at his press conference at the Combine by allaying any concerns about his relationship with Bieniemy saying, “We were on vacation over two weeks, I came back, and all of a sudden, it was that I didn’t like Eric and Eric didn’t like me and Mahomes and everybody else.” Reid also said the reports were “fabricated.”
While it might be possible to point to contentious moments on the sideline at times or frustrations at specific points, any attempts to weave those into some larger narrative that reflects poorly on Bieniemy is slanderous and irresponsible and Reid put that story to bed.
Speaking of EB…
The Chiefs offensive coordinator was a talking point at a couple of press conferences—the Chiefs as well as the Denver Broncos. Bieniemy interviewed with the Broncos as well as the New Orleans Saints for head coaching opportunities this winter but failed to get the job—a familiar story for each of the last four hiring cycles.
During his comments to the media, reporters asked Broncos general manager George Paton about Bieniemy. He said, “I go way back with Eric. I consider him a good friend. Worked with him before. I think he’s a great coach. He’s got a lot of energy, a lot of passion. And Eric should be a head coach in this league. That’s for sure.”
It’s too bad that Paton didn’t do anything to remedy that issue, but that’s for another day.