Chiefs Won’t Use Franchise Tag on OT Orlando Brown Jr., per Report

The offensive tackle played under the franchise tag designation last season.

The Chiefs are not expected to place the franchise tag on Orlando Brown Jr., which means the offensive tackle could become a free agent next week, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Had Kansas City decided to use the tag on Brown, the offensive tackle would have made just under $20 million next year.

Kansas City acquired Brown from the Ravens ahead of the 2021 season when Brown was entering the final year of his rookie deal. Last year, the Chiefs used the franchise tag on Brown as the two sides were negotiating a long-term contract, but they failed to agree to a deal ahead of the deadline in July.

Over the past two seasons, Brown has started 33 regular-season games and six playoff games for the Chiefs. He has been named to four consecutive Pro Bowls, twice as a Raven and twice as a Chief, and he was a key part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning offensive line last season. 

Now, both of the Chiefs’ starting tackles from 2022, Brown and Andrew Wylie, appear headed toward free agency. It is still possible that Brown and the Chiefs reach a long-term agreement before the new league year starts next week, but if not, Brown will rank among the top free agents available.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports the team’s decision not to use the franchise tag designation on Brown points to the team’s preference to sign him to a long-term pact this offseason. A second franchise tag and the accompanying salary would’ve made it more difficult for Kansas City to retain Brown after next season.