The Cincinnati Bengals don’t figure to be on the market for an offensive tackle in free agency because the asking price on starting-caliber linemen is simply too inflated right now.
But the Kansas City Chiefs deciding not to apply a franchise tag to left tackle Orlando Brown is certainly an interesting development.
Brown, 26, remains one of the best left tackles in football and last year allowed just four sacks on 1,100-plus snaps, per PFF’s charting. But the Chiefs had good reason to avoid the tag — franchise-tagging him a second time would cost far too much and still not provide the team with a long-term solution at a premium spot.
The Bengals don’t figure to run out and get in a bidding war for Brown, of course. Coaches have already been adamant they won’t move Jonah Williams off left tackle.
But the Chiefs’ decision does deepen the offensive tackle market. Like with Hayden Hurst’s market and Germaine Pratt’s market, a deep tackle market could help the Bengals swoop in and swipe quality depth at an affordable cost.
While teams fixate on Brown, perhaps the Bengals can get in and nab an Andre Dillard or even Jawaan Taylor. Reinforcing depth, providing a potential starter at right tackle and keeping the needs column light in the first round so they can take best player available remain notable goals.
In a way, the Chiefs might’ve just helped the Bengals by influencing the market.
