Potential Orlando Brown replacement begs Chiefs to sign him

The Kansas City Chiefs did not franchise tag Orlando Brown prior to the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday. Could Taylor Lewan be a possible replacement?

Orlando Brown cost the Chiefs an arm and a leg to acquire in the first place, so it would be surprising to see Brett Veach let the former Raven walk for nothing. The Kansas City offensive line gave up zero sacks to the vaunted Eagles defensive line in the Super Bowl for a reason — they’re gifted.

Brown will be a free agent if he doesn’t agree to a long-term contract by next Wednesday, when NFL free agency begins. His market should be plentiful, as he’s one of the premier left tackles in football.

Taylor Lewan, who was recently released by the Tennessee Titans as a cap casualty, could make sense as a replacement if the Chiefs are unable to re-sign Brown. Lewan would come at a cheaper price tag as well given his recent history of injuries and age.

Should the Chiefs sign Taylor Lewan to replace Orlando Brown?

Arrowhead Addict’s Matt Conner does an excellent job discussing the obvious pros and cons of signing Lewan:

“While Lewan wouldn’t be a big swing at left tackle, a move general manager Brett Veach is used to making, he certainly has been a talented performer in years past with three Pro Bowl seasons on his resume. The downside here is that those accolades came several seasons ago and the soon-to-be 32-year-old has only played in 20 games in the last three years combined.”

Lewan’s price tag could work in his favor, as Kansas City has several weapons on the outside they’d like to bring back as well in wide receivers Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Signing Lewan on a prove-it deal is a way to fill their void at tackle while also keeping some of Patrick Mahomes favorite targets in the building.