From @NFLTotalAccess: The #Chiefs and LT Orlando Brown are nowhere near a long-term deal with less than three days to go. If a deal isn’t reached before Friday, I wouldn’t expect Brown to start training camp and Week 1 is also uncertain. pic.twitter.com/XNT6CAwYKF — Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 12, Speaking on the network’s “NFL Total Access” program Tuesday, Garafalo said his information came from the left tackle’s longtime mentor. “He and his representation have spoken with the Chiefs over the last few days about a possibility [new contract], which should be done before Friday,” Garafolo said. “Otherwise, he can only play in the one-year franchise competition. “I spoke with Jammal Brown, the former NFL offensive tackle who serves as a mentor for Orlando. He said the sides were nowhere close to a deal – and that they weren’t just going to “make a deal just for the sake of making a deal”. “Jamal Brown didn’t go into specifics, but my understanding is that the offers to Orlando Brown — who wants to be paid at the top of the left tackle market, which is $23 million a year — are more in line with the top of the market at right tackle.” Although he spent the first three years of his NFL career as the starting right tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, Brown filled in for injured Baltimore starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley during the 2020 campaign. Once Stanley was ready to return for 2021, Brown wanted to stay on the left side of the line. Ultimately, he asked the Ravens to trade him to a team where he could do it. Kansas City traded for Brown right before the 2021 NFL Draft — and he played left tackle for every one of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps last season. “So you could imagine,” noted Garafalo of the quoted deals, “what that’s like [Brown]. “Here’s the thing: Unless there’s a long-term deal, I’m not expecting Orlando Brown for the start of training camp — or really, any time during training camp. This is my understanding. Remember: it’s not signed [franchise] tag, so he can’t be fined if he’s not there.” And Garafalo said it could go even further than that. “Even Week 1 is in question,” he said. “So let’s see how this plays out over the next couple of days. Like I said, the sides [are] far away. I don’t expect a deal — and that could have ripple effects for Patrick Mahomes’ blindside quarterback. In order for the Chiefs to sign their left tackle to a long-term contract, the two sides must reach an agreement before 3 p.m. (PST) on Friday. This report doesn’t necessarily mean that Brown and the Chiefs won’t eventually work out a long-term deal — but right now, it seems less likely than previously thought.
