Orlando Brown Jr. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Why Bengals' Orlando Brown Jr. signing is massive

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 3/16/23

The Bengals signed LT Orlando Brown Jr. to a four-year, $64.09 million contract yesterday. It was their first splash play of free agency and it was a big one for multiple reasons.

First and foremost, Cincinnati has now cemented QB Joe Burrow's blindside blocker for the foreseeable future. The four-time Pro Bowl tackle and Super Bowl champion stands at a massive 6-foot-8, 345 pounds and allowed just four sacks in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.

The move does leave questions surrounding the future of LT Jonah Williams but that is for another day.

Brown Jr. also received the biggest signing bonus for an offensive linemen ever ($31M) but it was still a great deal for the Bengals. The 26-year-old is now the 17th highest paid tackle in the NFL.

And for the #Bengals, they get a great deal. Orlando Brown is now the 17th highest paid tackle in the NFL. https://t.co/NzqsUVz2r8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2023

The acquisition is all the more important as Cincinnati takes the left tackle from the Chiefs who they've seen in the AFC Championship game in back-to-back years.

A couple of other teams showed interest in Brown Jr. as well and one of the Bengals' AFC North rivals were among them.

Among teams that showed interest in Orlando Brown, per agent Michael Portner: The #Steelers and #Jets. Bengals put deal over the top with strong guarantees over long term. @TomPelissero 1st on the deal.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2023

It's doubtful Brown Jr. took any of these things into account when making his decision but one thing is for sure, Brown Jr. wants to win and he certainly has the chance to do a lot of that in Cincinnati.

"I'm super thankful for the opportunity to carry on my father's legacy and be a left tackle. It was important to be able to play that position and play for a winning team and a winning quarterback. Who Dey!," Brown Jr. said.

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