The Cincinnati Bengals made a big splash in free agency on Wednesday by signing four-time Pro Bowl tackle Orlando Brown.
Brown, who previously spent the last two seasons starting for the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Bengals are finalizing a four-year deal worth $64 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
After being franchise tagged by the Chiefs last season, Brown and the Chiefs came to a disagreement on if he would play left or right tackle. Brown wanted to remain playing at left tackle and Kansas City wanted to move him to the right side. The Chiefs opted not to place a second franchise tag on Brown and all signs pointed to a break up coming.
Left tackles are paid more in the NFL and it's what Brown wants to play at this point in his career. More details of Brown's contract have been released and it's a very front-loaded deal.
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One of the Bengals’ biggest needs this offseason is at tackle and by signing Brown the team lands arguably one of the best left tackles in the game. Cincinnati’s offensive line gets a massive upgrade with the acquisition of Brown and the move to bring Brown in could go down as one of the biggest in franchise history.
Brown will play left tackle for the Bengals which means former first-round pick Jonah Williams is likely to move to the right side. Cincinnati also still has La'el Collins on its roster and what the team plans to do with his contract is unclear at the moment. Collins tore his ACL on Christmas Eve and will spend the entire offseason rehabbing his knee. The Bengals have an opt out in his contract if they choose to move on, which is likely after signing Brown.
Over the last two offseasons, the Bengals' front office has made a huge investment in improving franchise quarterback Joe Burrow's protection. Burrow was sacked 41 times in the 2022 season, the sixth-most in the NFL.
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Brown played three seasons in Baltimore before signing with the Chiefs in 2021. Brown has protected the blindsides of quaterbacks Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
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