Analyst proposes Chiefs-Jets blockbuster

Orlando Brown Jr. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst proposes wild Chiefs-Jets blockbuster

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 2/28/23

Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. will be one of the more highly sought-after players on the free agent market, and it’s entirely possible Kansas City won’t want to engage in a bidding war.

This is why ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggested the Chiefs consider a tag-and-trade scenario where they would franchise tag Brown Jr. and then ship him off to a tackle-needy team like the New York Jets in exchange for a first-round pick.

“If the Chiefs don’t think they can re-sign Brown, they might franchise him for a second time, then attempt to trade him to a team in need of a solution on their quarterback’s blindside,” Barnwell wrote. “I wonder if a Brown deal involving that first-rounder [the No. 13 overall pick] (and picks going back to the Jets with Brown) might make sense.”

Brett Veach speaking about Orlando Brown Jr. says it's more beneficial to get something done long-term.

He played under the franchise tag last year for $16M, which would come up to around $20M if tagged a second time.
— Brandon Zenner KWCH (@KWCHBrandon) February 28, 2023

Barnwell also stated the deal is predicated on New York not trading for Aaron Rodgers, as the No. 13 pick would likely be part of the draft compensation Green Bay would be asking for in return.

Brown Jr.’s projected market value, according to Spotrac, is $22.4 million, and he is likely seeking a five- or six-year deal.

The Jets, who allowed 42 sacks last season, make a lot of sense as a landing spot for Brown Jr. New York used six different tackles last season — George Fant, Max Mitchell, Mike Remmers, Conor McDermott, Cedric Ogbuehi and Duane Brown — all of whom combined for 90 pressures, 58 hurries, 20 hits and 12 sacks.

Whether it’s Derek Carr, Zach Wilson, Mike White or another yet-to-be-named quarterback under center for the Jets in 2023, they’ll almost certainly be grateful to have Brown Jr. protecting their blindside.

The No. 13 pick is New York’s only first-rounder, but Brown Jr., who’s just 26 and already a four-time Pro Bowler, is certainly better than anyone the Jets could draft at 13. The deal would also give Kansas City two picks in the first round, one of which could be used to find Brown Jr.’s replacement.

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