NFL Rumors: Key component of Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes’ offense set to hit free agency
The road back to the Super Bowl for Patrick Mahomes has already begun. But as has been the case most years, not all of those who played against the Philadelphia Eagles will return.
That could be the case for offensive tackle Orlando Brown, as the soon-to-be free agent is not likely to sign a franchise tag with the Kansas City Chiefs per Ari Meirov of The 33rdTeam.com.
#Chiefs LT Orlando Brown Jr, will not be franchise tagged, which would have been worth nearly $20M. Kansas City will continue talking about a long-term deal, but there is an open path now for Brown to be a free agent and discuss a deal with the rest of the league.
The Chiefs' offensive line was one of the best units in the NFL last season, only giving up 26 sacks across the regular season. That is the third-best return with only the Detroit Lions (24) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (22) allowing fewer sacks.
Given what we saw in the Super Bowl of 2019 season, where Mahomes was running for his life against the Buccaneers, changes to the O-line had to be made...and they were.
The 2021 season saw the Chiefs improve dramatically, only allowing 28 sacks on the season (fourth-best). Coincidentally, the two best years of protecting Mahomes have come since Brown joined in 2021.
Now, the offensive tackle could be set to hit the free agency market if the Chiefs cannot agree on a new deal with the 26-year-old.
Mahomes' offensive line to lose pieces?
The Chiefs offensive line delivered their best last season, protection-wise, since 2020 and will be hoping that a new deal can be agreed upon with Brown. Keeping the offensive line together and creating that continuity is vital if the Chiefs have plans to properly defend their Super Bowl title.
While whether or not Kansas City can repeat as champions is solely down to its offensive line. Keeping Mahomes upright and out of harm means the Chiefs quarterback can go about his work. Generally, that means slicing and dicing opposing defenses with the high-octane offense that we have become accustomed to with Andy Reid.
The franchise tag for Brown will cost the Chiefs $20 million; with that not an option, a new deal needs to be done. But if the two sides can't find common ground, then Brown will surely have plenty of suitors in free agency.