The Kansas City Chiefs might need to address a key position this offseason in free agency and/or the 2023 NFL Draft.
Kansas City didn’t place the franchise tag on left tackle Orlando Brown Jr this week which means they’re at risk of losing Brown in free agency. The Chiefs traded a first-round pick for Brown ahead of the 2021 season.
The two sides were unable to agree on a contract extension last season so Brown played in 2022 on the franchise tag. If Brown departs in free agency — which is very possible since he’s rejected the Chiefs’ offers up until this point — it will mean Kansas City needs to either sign a left tackle or draft one (or both).
A three-time Pro Bowl left tackle became available recently when the Tennessee Titans released Taylor Lewan. Lewan, a cap casualty, missed most of the 2022 season with a torn ACL.
He should be ready to go, however, for the 2023 season (Lewan tore his ACL in Week two). On Wednesday morning, Lewan sent a tweet that seemed to signal his interest in joining the Chiefs.
. @Chiefs đź‘€
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) March 8, 2023
Lewan, who turns 32 this summer, can still be a premier offensive lineman if he can stay healthy. A scenario that would make sense for the Chiefs would be signing Lewan to a one-year “prove it” deal. Then they could draft an offensive tackle.
The idea is that Lewan could be the tackle that fits in the gap between Brown and whoever the Chiefs draft.
If Lewan has a bounce-back season and plays at a high level, then Kansas City can look into extending him next offseason.
This scenario could be attractive to Lewan, a player who undoubtedly would love to win a Super Bowl ring. The opportunity to play with Patrick Mahomes would be attractive, too. The Chiefs first have to decide if they’re going to make a serious run at Brown.
If they don’t, then signing Lewan and drafting a tackle might be Kansas City’s best bet.
