KC Chiefs have no real choice regarding Orlando Brown’s future

Last offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs made it a point to revamp their offensive line in the wake of losing the Super Bowl, largely because the offensive line was in shambles. This meant cutting long-time bookend tackle Mitchell Schwartz and Eric Fisher. At the time, Chiefs Kingdom was left wondering just how the Chiefs were going to fill those spots.

The first domino fell last April when the Chiefs traded the Ravens for left tackle Orlando Brown. The Chiefs gave up a bevy of picks and received a few in return as well. Most notably, they traded away their first-round pick in last year’s draft for the young tackle. As exciting as this trade was, there was one small hitch: Brown only had one year left on his rookie deal.

This leads us to now. After a solid first year with the Chiefs, Brown is now set to become a free agent in less than two weeks. After it seemed to be certain that Brown would get a long-term extension with the Chiefs, things seem a little murkier right now.

It wouldn’t be the end of the world if the Chiefs tag Brown, although it would raise some serious eyebrows about the future of another star free agent. But what would be the ramifications of the Chiefs not reaching a new contract agreement with Orlando Brown, with or without the tag?

First, it would almost certainly be an embarrassing look for Brett Veach. He swung for the fences by giving up several picks, including a coveted first-rounder last year. Giving up all that draft capital for what amounts to a one-year rental would not look good.

Second, the Chiefs would once again find themselves searching for a left tackle to bolster what became a pretty solid offensive line last year. This, coupled with the fact that the right tackle position still isn’t in great shape would make it feel like the Chiefs are back to where they were less than 12 months ago.

All of that would amount to the Chiefs having to shore up the o-line once again when they should, in fact, be focusing their efforts on revamping the defense this offseason. No matter how you slice it, letting Orlando Brown go after just one or two years (with the franchise tag) wouldn’t look great. It would also stall the Chiefs’ progress.

Here’s to hoping Patrick Mahomes’ blind side is protected for a very long time.