Should Chiefs Franchise Tag Orlando Brown Jr. Once Again?

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Today is the first day of a two-week window in which teams can utilize the 2023 franchise tag. For the Kansas City Chiefs, it feels like their top candidate to possibly receive that tag is a familiar face. Could left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. be franchise tagged, once again? All signs point to that being a very strong indication.

That does not necessarily mean that it will 100 percent happen. However, the Chiefs are facing questions at not just one, but both offensive tackle spots entering the offseason. Both Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie are scheduled for free agency.

All told, there are valid arguments to be made for each side of this decision. The Chiefs and Orlando Brown Jr. may feel like they want to continue their relationship. At the same time, one may wonder if Kansas City looks to add different traits to that left tackle spot moving forward.

Why does franchise tagging Orlando Brown Jr. make sense for the Chiefs? Also, what arguments could be made for that not to be the case? What decision will Kansas City ultimately make? Let’s kick it off.

Franchise Tag Logistics

For those that are unaware, the franchise tag allows a player’s team to prevent them from reaching the open market. This may be used on a player that a team possibly wants to sign to a long-term contract extension. Although, the window to completing an extension ends on July 15, a deadline that Orlando Brown Jr. and the Chiefs could not come to an agreement last year. Obviously, players can not reject the franchise tag, once it is applied. Those players would end up playing on a one-year deal, if that aforementioned long-term contract extension is not reached.

Say Orlando Brown Jr. is tagged by Kansas City once again, he would earn an $18.26 million salary for 2023 by playing on the tag. That is nearly a $2 million increase from his salary in 2022, when he also played on the franchise tag. From a player’s perspective, banking that guaranteed money for a second straight season is extremely crucial.

Brown Jr. Finishes Strong

In each of his two seasons with the Chiefs, Orlando Brown Jr. finished the year very strong. There is no greater feeling for an offensive lineman and his blocking unit than allowing zero sacks. Not only did Brown Jr. and Kansas City do that to wrap up the 2022 season. Of course, they did that on the greatest stage of them all, while winning Super Bowl LVII.

Orlando Brown Jr. finished the year incredibly, in terms of hand placement on punches, angles taken against pass rushers and with his timing at the point of attack. The Chiefs only allowed 26 sacks on the season, the third fewest in the NFL. Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (22) and the Detroit Lions (24) allowed fewer sacks in 2022.

By finishing the season strong, once again, Orlando Brown Jr. proved his value in this blocking unit. The Chiefs were able to keep Patrick Mahomes clean against some of the most dominant pass rushes in the league. As for Brown Jr. specifically, he also proved how he can be a leader and a pillar for Kansas City. The energy and mentality that he brings is rare for most blockers.

Is There Room For Improvement?

Despite those strong finishes, Orlando Brown Jr. has been rather slow to start each season. His struggles against speedier pass rushers is well documented. With a lack of clear athleticism, the Chiefs know that there are some battles where Brown Jr. enters as a weak link. Meanwhile, you are seemingly left with wanting more, when it comes to his play strength and balance. Brown Jr. can sometimes counteract that with a sense of nastiness. Though, Kansas City has seen him have issues with getting displaced and driven backwards, as well as falling and leaning too far forward.

When it is all said and done, the Chiefs should not shy away from finding improvement at left tackle. Orlando Brown Jr. is a good blocker. But is he a great blocker? Without that athleticism, play strength and balance, Brown Jr. may be a fine fit for Kansas City now. His long-term outlook, while trying to find the correct contract for him, is a major hurdle, however.

What Decision Does Kansas City Make?

So, what decision will the Chiefs ultimately make for 2023, regarding Orlando Brown Jr. and the franchise tag? All signs point to him getting tagged for a second consecutive season. As things currently stand, the Chiefs lack any replacements in house with much experience at playing left tackle. Veteran Joe Thuney has the versatility and instincts to thrive in many spots. Nonetheless, Kansas City likely wants to keep him at left guard and continue that dominance at interior offensive line.

When you look at the 2023 NFL Draft, there are some fascinating options at offensive tackle. Can they be trusted right away inside of the Chiefs offense? Plus, can Kansas City afford to put their faith in an unknown commodity, like a rookie blocker? Even with the limitations that Orlando Brown Jr. has, the Chiefs know what he can apply on the blocking unit. It feels like Kansas City tags him again. If the team is looking for a replacement, they may opt to take their sweet time.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.