Kansas City, Mo. — The kansas city chiefs would have been satisfied in 2023 for Orlando Brown Jr., he’s a left tackle and frank clark One of his defensive ends. They were not satisfied with those possibilities at any cost.
So instead of a future with both players, the Chiefs ended up earning about $41 million over their salary cap. with their decisions on Monday On Brown not wanting to use his franchise tag and most likely leaving Clarke. Brown cost the Chiefs $20 million in his second consecutive season as a franchise player. Clark’s release would save the Chiefs $21 million against the cap.
The Chiefs could still re-sign Brown to a long-term contract before free agency begins next week, but the move would cost him less than $20 million, which is likely too low.
Considering there is no long-term contract in place for Brown, the decision creates some lineup holes for the Chiefs. But the extra $41 million in cap space gives them some flexibility to make other moves.
“I don’t think you can go out there and have a set [plan]general manager Brett Veitch said last week at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. quickly.”
The heads are in the process of moving on. They will have plenty of extra cap room and are expected to have 12 draft picks, counting the three additional selections once compensatory selections are awarded. Here’s where the Chiefs stand ahead of the start of free agency on March 15:
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They will need a left tackle to replace Brown, assuming he doesn’t re-sign. They added an edge defender last year in the first round of the draft when they selected George CarlftisBut with Clarke gone, another will be needed.
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defensive lineman chris jones, who had 15.5 sacks last season, is heading into the final season of his contract, but the Chiefs could try to extend the deal. Jones will cost the Chiefs more than $28 million over their cap next season, so if he is offered a new contract, he will get more immediate relief.
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Another situation where the Chiefs have wide receivers to work with is where juju smith-schuster And maycole hardman Are potential unrestricted free agents. The Chiefs looked to the future wide receiver by drafting last year skye moore in the second round and trade for cadarius tony,
Both players are looking at bigger roles next season.
“They will primarily be more familiar with the offense and so you can use them in different ways,” said coach Andy Reid. “They are both very talented. I really like their attitude towards the game.”