The offseason talks between the Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. continue, with both sides working toward a contract extension.
Brown has settled on a new agent after seeking representation, removing the final barrier holding up a deal getting negotiated. Brown’s most recent comments were that he was very confident a deal would get done, and now his star quarterback is echoing those comments.
Chiefs All-Pro QB Patrick Mahomes enjoyed better protection last season with the acquisition of Brown. The Chiefs made the blockbuster trade before the 2021 NFL draft with the expectation that they could eventually sign him to a contract extension. Mahomes shared his optimism about the ongoing contract talks during Thursday’s minicamp press conference.
“Yeah, I’m very confident just because I know Orlando,” Mahomes said. “I was with him yesterday actually, so I hang out with him a lot. He loves football. He loves the Kansas City Chiefs. He loves being here in this organization. So now, the stuff that’s always tough, the business side of this. All of us want to provide for our families in the long term, the next generation. I know he’s getting that handled. As far as loving the Chiefs and loving football, there’s not another person in this building that loves it as much as he does.”
The Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Brown in March. In one season, he’s already formed a close bond with Mahomes that stretches beyond the football field. On Wednesday after minicamp, the two got together and had a playdate for their children.
“Just hanging out,” said Mahomes “I mean, he has a younger one, too. About the same age as Sterling. So Brittany and his girl get along well, and they always hang out during the season. So, (we) just kind of hung out with them a little bit then, and it wasn’t about football, it was just getting the families together and things like that.”
The positive outlook from Mahomes is the calming tone needed for Chiefs fans concerned about the negotiations. The abrupt trade of Tyreek Hill a few months ago proves nothing is ever a sure thing, but the confidence from Mahomes should put minds at ease.
