The Kansas City Chiefs have reached an agreement with Marquise Brown on a one-year deal potentially worth up to $11 million, according to a source familiar with the contract, providing quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the upgraded wide receiver option the team has been seeking since the Super Bowl.
The source, speaking anonymously as the contract had yet to be finalized, revealed the development.
Despite securing their second consecutive Lombardi Trophy last month, the Chiefs had one of the least productive wide receiver groups in the NFL. While second-round draft pick Rashee Rice emerged as a viable option in the passing game, the Chiefs largely relied on journeymen and temporary fixes in their quest for another title.
Brown could offer the ideal complement to Rice in a revamped passing attack, which now includes recently signed tight end Irv Smith Jr., brought in on a one-year deal to join star tight end Travis Kelce.
“Blessed Beyond Measures,” Brown shared on X.
Brown’s most impressive season occurred three years ago with Baltimore, where he recorded 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. He was subsequently traded to Arizona, where he tallied 118 catches for 1,283 yards and seven TDs across 26 games.
However, his availability has been hindered by injuries, notably a heel issue last season, and he hasn’t played a full season since 2020.
While the Chiefs prioritized retaining their players during the offseason, such as signing All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones to a lucrative five-year deal and bringing back linebacker Drue Tranquill on a $19 million, three-year contract, they recognized the need to bolster their wide receiver corps from outside the organization. With low draft picks in each round, the addition of Brown became a key objective for the team.
The Chiefs may not be finished yet. They recently restructured Mahomes’ contract to free up over $21 million in salary cap space, potentially allowing them to pursue further offensive reinforcements.
With Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Richie James, and Mecole Hardman among the free agents, and Kadarius Toney’s future uncertain following a disappointing season marred by dropped passes and mental errors, Brown and Rice are set to lead the wide receiver unit, alongside Justin Watson and Skyy Moore.
