It has been reported that the Kansas City Chiefs and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. have not agreed to terms on a long-term deal.
Therefore, he will play the 2022 NFL season under the $16.6 million franchise tag for offensive linemen because an agreement could not be reached by the July 15 deadline.
While that amount is still good money, it’s nowhere near what Brown’s camp wanted.
He is hoping to be the highest-paid left tackle in the league by seeking a $25 million annual average value.
However, the Chiefs are not willing to reset the market even if they have expressed interest in re-signing Brown.
With both sides at a stalemate, Brown cannot be penalized for not attending training camp until he signs the tag.
Otherwise, he can use the holdout to press his leverage on the Chiefs.
The team does not have an alternative for the position which is important because Brown protects Patrick Mahomes‘ blind side.
Meanwhile, FanSided’s national NFL reporter Matt Verderame revealed the Chiefs’ offer to Brown.
My understanding is the Chiefs offered a higher signing bonus to Orlando Brown than Trent Williams received with the 49ers, which was $30.1 million
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) July 15, 2022
Verderame tweeted, “My understanding is the Chiefs offered a higher signing bonus to Orlando Brown than Trent Williams received with the 49ers, which was $30.1 million.”
Having a higher signing bonus means that Brown would have received more guaranteed money if he agreed to the deal.
What’s Next For The Chiefs And Brown?
With no deal in place before today’s deadline, Brown will play under the tag in 2022 or hold out.
Kansas City can still retain him by giving him the tag for a second consecutive season.
By then, they hope to agree to an extension before another deadline lapses.
Brown could also become a free agent which is the last thing the Chiefs wanted.
If that happens, the Chiefs would have to match higher offers from other teams to retain his services
NEXT: NFL Analyst Shares How Orlando Brown Can Get What He Wants