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Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes showed up to training camp Friday, sporting a Kansas City Monarchs jersey as he stepped up to start his sixth pro season.
But there are still questions about whether or not his left tackle will be there when the rest of the team’s veterans are scheduled to report on July 26.
Orlando Brown Jr. and the Chiefs were unable to reach a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline after Kansas City placed the franchise tag on the left tackle in March. The organization is frustrated that Brown did not accept the club’s latest offer earlier this month.
But, at least publicly, Muhammad does not share this same sentiment.
“I talk to Orlando all the time. Me and him have a great relationship,” Mahomes said at his press conference on Friday. “Obviously we wanted to get the deal, I’m sure he wanted to get the deal and all that. But at the end of the day, we’re going to play football. And I’m excited for him to be here and to be part of the team again.”
That seems to indicate that Mahomes believes Brown will report to training camp, though Brown’s agent said last week that the linebacker is still weighing whether or not to do so. When asked directly if he thinks Brown will report, Mahomes essentially said he didn’t know.
“Obviously, I haven’t asked him any of that, but you want him here just because of the guy he is,” Mahomes said. “He’s a leader on this football team. But at the same time, when it comes to money and contracts and things like that, I’m never going to force anybody to do anything because I know they’re trying to support their family long term.
“But as a teammate and as a friend, you want him to be here and you want him to be a part of this because there’s always a good atmosphere when you’re here in St. Joe’s and you’re there. building and eating together and practicing together”.
Mahomes was also asked about Brown not being a true “team player” and pushed back hard.
“I have no idea who said that,” Mahomes said. “He is a great team player. He’s one of the smartest football players I think I’ve ever played with. He has a high IQ. I remember even when I wasn’t at OTAs, [he was] he just asks me questions. He’s watching film, he’s doing everything to make sure that when it happens here, he’s ready to go. And I think that comes with his dad playing in the league — he’s been around sports his whole life. And you can ask anybody on this team, he’s one of the best guys on this team, if not the best.”
The Chiefs acquired Brown from the Ravens in April 2021. He started 16 games for Kansas City last year and was selected to his third straight Pro Bowl.