Brown 'knew all along' he wanted to stay with Chiefs

Wideout Marquise "Hollywood" Brown hoped to return to the Kansas City Chiefs despite entering free agency this offseason.

"I knew all along that I wanted to be back," Brown told reporters Thursday.

The 27-year-old re-signed with the Chiefs on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. The veteran's return provides a downfield threat to a pass-catching group that features Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Travis Kelce.

Brown initially signed with Kansas City in March 2024 but injured his shoulder during a preseason game. He didn't make his regular-season Chiefs debut until Dec. 21 against the Houston Texans.

The Oklahoma product recorded nine receptions for 91 yards in the final three games of the campaign. He couldn't expand his role during the Chiefs' run to Super Bowl LIX, hauling in just five passes for 50 yards in three postseason contests.

Brown lamented the lackluster impression he made on the team and its fans.

"No, I didn't really," Brown said when asked if he had the chance to show his true potential last season. "Except the people in the building, my teammates, my coaches - they carried me a long way. They know the type of guy I am, the type of work I put in. Essentially, that's one of the reasons I got brought back."

Brown cited the club's atmosphere as a factor in his decision to return.

"For the first time in my career, I was getting where I wanted to be. Every day, coming to work, getting better," Brown said.

The Chiefs are the former first-round pick's third team following three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and two with the Arizona Cardinals.