Orlando Brown Jr.’s status is uncertain for Chiefs training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t sure whether or not they will see left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. at training camp with reports that he’s uncertain what to do.

Over the next several days, everyone in the Kansas City Chiefs organization will begin to make their way to St. Joseph to the campus of Missouri Western State University for this year’s training camp. Eighty-nine of the 90 members of the team’s offseason roster should be expected to be there at the designated date and time, but at this point, no one knows what to expect from left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

According to reports, even Brown himself is uncertain of his approach.

NFL reporter Josina Anderson says Brown is “still weighing all options” about reporting or not reporting to training camp with the rest of his Chiefs teammates in the wake of the news that both sides—team and player—were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension before the NFL’s deadline of July 15. The resulting lack of a contract means Brown must play out the season under the terms of the franchise tag, which essentially is a one-year deal worth $16.6 million.

Earlier reports from Mike Garafolo noted that Brown could potentially hold out if a deal was not reached, and the report at that point earlier this week pointed to missing Week 1 as well. As Anderson reported, apparently all potential avenues are being considered by Brown at this time.

The Chiefs are not without options in case Brown decides to sit out of training camp or even into the regular season, but no one involved wants a cloud of drama to distract the team at a key point in preparation. It also doesn’t do Brown any favors to miss out on the preparation himself with so many new faces on offense.

The Chiefs traded for Brown last season in a blockbuster deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and he made the Pro Bowl in his first season protecting Patrick Mahomes.