The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with two notable receivers in the 2026 offseason, allowing JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown to both walk away in free agency. While much has been made about the team's decision not to bring in additional depth at the position, there is no questioning that parting ways with Brown was a quiet win of the offseason. The 29-year-old finished the season in frustrating fashion, failing to make more than three catches in a single game aside from one dating back to Week 7.
It's a regression that cannot be blamed on the Mahomes injury, with the struggles coming well before the quarterback would be ruled out for the season. There was ample opportunity as well due to the consistent struggles at the position. Still, it was clear Brown was a limited option who couldn't be relied on to consistently produce.
This was reflected in Brown's free agency deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, as the veteran took a $2 million pay cut in comparison to the 2025 season. Evidence that the league sees Brown as a player whose stock is heading in the wrong direction, not a player that can be counted on when facing tougher competition.
Even with the Eagles signing Brown, the team still opted to bring in Makai Lemon and Dontayvion Wicks to the position, helping offset the departure of A.J. Brown. From Kansas City's perspective, it isn't surprising to see Hollywood quickly demoted to the team's fourth option at the position.
Chiefs quietly had offseason win parting ways with veteran Hollywood Brown
Kansas City is in a bit of an uncertain situation at the position, but this could easily be argued as a benefit. Brown is undersized and has known limitations. Kansas City's current depth behind their trio of starters is rookie Cyrus Allen and forgotten second-year man Jalen Royals. Both pass catchers have had fans excited about their possible roles within the offense throughout the early parts of this offseason, but Andy Reid's willingness to play young guys has been few and far between.
It is far better to have players with a clear possibility of having an impact beyond Brown's obvious limitations. For the Eagles, it wouldn't be shocking to see Brown quickly become an afterthought within an offense often focused on establishing the run and feeding its star receivers.
The Chiefs upgraded in the fact that they made moves that give the current receiver room fewer limitations in terms of snap usage and room to upgrade if needed. Brown's career has been defined by injuries and frustrating inconsistencies; his time with the Chiefs served as a reminder of this and made his exit a quiet offseason win.
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