Report: Chiefs Won't Franchise Tag Orlando Brown Jr.

Kansas City opts against placing the franchise tag on its starting left tackle ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

Last offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs placed the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and were unable to reach an agreement on an extension by the July deadline. After playing out the 2022-23 campaign and winning Super Bowl LVII with the team, many expected another tag to be coming Brown's way this offseason. That won't be the case, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Chiefs will not be placing the franchise tag on Brown:

Source: The #Chiefs are not tagging OT Orlando Brown.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023

Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said that the tag would be an option for Brown. Citing that the team had "at least a runway to work with" this offseason after submitting an offer to Brown last summer that ultimately got rejected. Veach indicated at the Combine that time became a factor last offseason and both sides would get to work "right away" at this year's Combine, and Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated reported that Kansas City was set to meet with Brown's camp on Monday.

Now, instead of having a lot more time to work out a deal, both sides have until March 13 to iron something out. If an extension isn't reached, Brown will become a free agent. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Brown has been informed of the Chiefs' decision to not tag him. Last offseason's offer from the Chiefs to Brown was a six-year, $139 million commitment that saw Brown's camp come up concerned regarding guarantees. From Nate Taylor of The Athletic last summer:

Brown wanted more financial security in the form of guaranteed money throughout the contract, while the Chiefs were willing to fully guarantee just the first two years of the deal.

Under the tag, Brown was set to make just under $20M if the team didn't reach a resolution on an extension and he played the 2023 season under that designation. Now, things become a lot trickier. The pressure is on for both sides to iron out a deal and if they don't, the four-time Pro Bowler will be one of the highest-profile linemen on the market.

#Chiefs have until next Monday to work out a long-term deal with Orlando Brown, with reported news of Brown not taking franchise tag.

Last week Brett Veach said a deal with Brown would be “more beneficial for us to get something done long term.” — stay tuned #Chiefs

— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) March 6, 2023

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