The 2021 season ended just short of a third consecutive trip to the Super Bowl for the Chiefs, beginning an offseason filled with important roster decisions. General manager Brett Veach‘s comments in a recent press conference highlighted the team’s likely priorities, which will be shaped to a large extent by a pair of pending free agents: safety Tyrann Mathieu and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
One day after the Chiefs’ overtime loss in the AFC title game, Mathieu posted a tweet that certainly points to him signing elsewhere in the offseason. “Lot to be proud of over the past three years,” he wrote. “I’m thankful and grateful. I leave with a grateful heart having got the chance to play for all you good people.”
Veach, however, was quick to downplay the high potential of the three-time All Pro departing. When asked if Mathieu’s stay in KC is over, he responded, “I wouldn’t say that’s necessarily true. That’s Tyrann just being his genuine self," via ESPN’s Adam Teicher. The 29-year-old recorded 13 interceptions in three seasons in Kansas City. His contract, which averages $14M per year, expires in March.
When asked about Brown Jr., Veach stated that he expects the 25-year-old to be the team’s starting left tackle, per NFL Network’s James Palmer. He was traded from the Ravens last April, in a move that accommodated his request to play on the blindside — something that his late father always wanted for him. 2021 was the final year of his rookie contract, which carried a salary of just under $3.4M. His 75.2 PFF grade this year didn’t live up to the potential he showed in Baltimore, but it should still be enough to command an extension to make him one of the league’s highest-paid tackles.
Overall, Veach stated that the defensive side of the ball is likely to be the organization’s first priority this offseason, via Herbie Teope of the Kansas City Star. Teope adds that Mathieu and Brown Jr. are at "the top of the list" for the Chiefs to re-sign. With very limited cap space and a few massive deals already on the books, though, any commitment to Mathieu and/or Brown Jr. would greatly reduce the team’s remaining options with regard to maintaining an elite roster.
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