Chiefs, Brown unable to reach long-term deal ahead of tag deadline
The Kansas City Chiefs and left tackle Orlando Brown were unable to agree to a long-term contract extension before Friday's 4 p.m. ET tag deadline, his agent, Michael Portner, told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Kansas City offered Brown the position's highest signing bonus and average annual salary on a six-year deal, but Portner didn't think there was enough security.
"We got really close," Portner said. "We enjoyed dealing with the Chiefs and we understand their position as well. I'm not gonna let these athletes sign a flashy contract without the substance or security there."
Kansas City's offer included $91 million over the first five years - which would rank only eighth in average salary among offensive tackles - and more than $40 million on the last year of the contract, a source told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
It's unclear how much Brown would've earned in guaranteed money, but the Chiefs were willing to fully guarantee his salary through next season, according to Garafolo.
Brown, who started 16 games for Kansas City last year, hasn't signed his franchise tender yet, which means the team can't fine him if he doesn't report for training camp. The three-time Pro Bowler would earn $16.7 million under the tag in 2022.
The Chiefs acquired Brown and two picks from the Baltimore Ravens in April 2021 in exchange for four draft selections, including a first-rounder.
San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams became the position's highest-paid player after inking a six-year, $138-million extension in March 2021. His deal includes $55.1 million guaranteed.