Three important questions for Chiefs and Orlando Brown Jr.’s future

Can both sides stay civil for another round of negotiations?

Yes, the Chiefs have the leverage here, but it doesn’t mean they have to act like it. Things right now are likely tense between both parties, and the public posturing might help but it also might hurt. After all, every NFL player dreams of the big payday and Brown didn’t get his yet—at least on the level he’s been wanting for years. Imagine how you feel on the other side of asking for a raise and being told “no.” Then imagine your employer trying to shape public sentiment about your request.

Brown also has to think about his approach going forward. Letting the feelings fly at the negotiating table is one thing, but if the approach in practice or in the locker room begins to feel me-first, the Chiefs are going to have a real problem. Brown is stuck with the Chiefs, like it or not, and he’s got to swallow that bitter pill ASAP. If he can show up and actually impress the Chiefs with his attitude and performance, that gives them all the more reason to come back to the table with an open mind.

Like it or not, and whether he’s there or not, all of this is only going to create a cloud at training camp. Reporters are going to ask Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes about it. If he doesn’t report, then the questions only become more prolonged, more exhausting, more annoying. The Chiefs and Brown will be much better off if they can find a way to keep things civil—even if that doesn’t lead to another round of negotiations next offseason.