The Kansas City Chiefs have made a blockbuster move, acquiring Pro Bowl offensive tackle Orlando Brown from the Baltimore Ravens. A move that completes the overhaul of the offensive line.
Full Details
Chiefs Acquire:
OT Orlando Brown 2021 Second-Round Pick (No. 58) 2022 Sixth-Round Pick
Ravens Acquire:
2021 First-Round Draft Pick (No. 31) 2021 Third-Round Draft Pick (No. 94) 2021 Fourth-Round Draft Pick (No. 136) 2022 Fifth-Round Pick
Orlando Brown Career
Brown was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Ravens. Over his first three seasons in the NFL, he has primarily played right tackle and has played over 1,000 snaps in each of the past two years.
Brown hasn’t missed a game in his career, playing all 48 regular-season games, and has been penalized only 11 times and surrendered three sacks. Over the past two seasons, Brown has had two holding penalties enforced in 2,133 total snaps and has been a Pro Bowler in both years.
What Does the Trade Mean?
This offseason, Kansas City has emphasized the offensive line. They released both starting offensive tackles, Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz, before free agency. In free agency, the Chiefs signed Joe Thuney, Kyle Long, Austin Blythe.
Additionally, the Chiefs have Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Lucas Niang returning after opting out of the 2020 season. Now, they trade for a Pro Bowl offensive tackle.
Brown wanted to be traded from Baltimore this offseason and the Chiefs were in on him. With this trade, the Chiefs have completed their offensive line overhaul and added a star tackle on the blindside of the star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
The new line will likely feature Brown (LT), Joe Thuney (LG), Austin Blythe (C), Kyle Long/Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (RG), and Lucas Niang (RT).
The position to watch is the battle at right guard between Long and LDT. Looking at the depth, Mike Remmers and Andrew Wylie returned to the team, along with either Long/LDT as well. The Chiefs have a new and improved front five, and Mahomes will be well-protected throughout the season.
As for Brown, he is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The plan as of now, according to Mike Garafolo, is for the Chiefs to let Brown play out this season and then look to lock him up long term.
An additional report from Jeremy Fowler is that the Chiefs are “prepared” to use the franchise tag on Brown, following this season to allow more time for negotiation on a new deal.
Brown is going to get paid a lot of money. In only three years, he has proved to be a top-tier OT and is set to be paid like one. The Chiefs won’t let him walk after giving up four draft picks and will look to retain Brown for the future.
Reaction
Brett Veach killed this trade. Kansas City needed to add a piece on the line to protect Mahomes’ blindside, and he delivered by adding a Pro Bowler. Additionally, the trade is great for Kansas City.
They trade away the first-rounder for Brown, which is better than anything the Chiefs could’ve drafted with the 31st pick. The Chiefs gave up a third and fourth-round pick as well, but get a second-rounder in return, which gives the Chiefs more room to add pieces early on Day 2 of the Draft. Finally, a pick swap on the third day of the 2022 Draft.
This is a win for the Chiefs as the offensive line will be the best it has been since Mahomes took over as the starter. The biggest need for Kansas City going into this offseason has been filled after making multiple improvements upfront.
