The most important storylines from Kansas City Chiefs training camp

Will Orlando Brown be at training camp?

This is the biggest storyline, stemming from off-field roots that could affect the Chiefs in Week 1. It is a divisive storyline amongst fans, some siding with the player and some with the team. Many can gree though that if Brown does not report to camp at all, his absence will have a negative impact on Kansas City.

The big question gains some clarity on the very first day of training camp. Reid addressed Brown’s absence swiftly, leaving little gray area.

Does Reid sound worried? No. Does Reid sound irritated? Yes. The whole situation is not new to Reid, but it has to be frustrating nonetheless. As of right now, the Chiefs can get through preseason games and camp scrimmages just fine with Brown. Reid would be worried, if he is, about the Week 1 impact.

Brown’s camp has been quiet since negotiations ended between them and the Chiefs in mid-July. That could signal they are content with where Brown is: working out on his own, and away from St. Joseph. But, history shows that players holding out through the preseason process are more susceptible to injuries or report to the team in less-than-ideal physical shape. Despite reports of Brown losing considerable weight this offseason, the Chiefs staff would surely prefer to have him training under their umbrella.

There is no tangible reason for Brown to report to training camp. He is not getting fined, as he hasn’t signed his franchise tender. His holding out from camp is the last remaining leverage he has over the Chiefs if the two sides wish to restart negotiations at a later date. The intangible impacts are the real story.

Is Brown actually in good shape, or is this his people spinning a story? After only one season in Reid’s scheme, will the offensive unit suffer overall because Brown is behind the learning curve? How will his teammates feel about his absence, as they have championship aspirations?

There is a lot to unpack if Brown doesn’t report. If he does, things will likely be okay during the regular season. The players, staff, and fans will shift their attention away from his gaudy contract requests and toward the on-field product, which should be fueling negotiations in the first place. But, each day that passes without Brown, unease grows from fans and possibly the team itself.