For Kansas City Chiefs fans hoping for a team-friendly extension with receiver Hollywood Brown, it isn't the best of weeks. The Baltimore Ravens muddied the waters by extending receiver Rashod Bateman with a $36.75 million deal. The new contract includes $20 million in guarantees and will leave Brown plenty of room to negotiate despite being a secondary option. It seems the position grows increasingly expensive despite the overwhelming number of options on the trade and free agent markets each offseason.
The Chiefs cannot consider spending this level of money on Brown despite the clear fit in the Kansas City offense. While the Ravens have not been able to beat the Chiefs in any game of note, they have harmed the team's ability to get an important deal done. Evidenced by the trade of Tyreek Hill and the moves ever since, the Chiefs are clearly unwilling to invest top-of-the-market value in the position. While the results have been frustrating at times, it is hard to argue with where the team's process is ending.
Ravens' Extension With WR Rashod Bateman Is Bad News for the Chiefs
The Chiefs' season ending in the Super Bowl each of the last three years, despite the investment at receiver, speaks volumes. While it is frustrating at times to watch Patrick Mahomes forced to work his magic without an established receiver to lean on, it is working. With this in mind, Bateman's extension might spell the end of Brown's time with the Chiefs. It seems incredibly unlikely that an extension is going to get done unless the veteran is willing to accept a lesser deal.
Kansas City can offer an incredible selling point of being the clear favorite in a loaded conference. The Chiefs' absolute floor has been the AFC Championship ever since Patrick Mahomes stepped in as the team's starter. There isn't any reason to believe that this is going to change anytime soon.
Brown must decide whether it is more important to have a chance at winning consistently meaningful games or cashing in at his top possible value. The answer to this question will obviously determine the receiver's future with the team. Regardless, there is no denying the Ravens' latest signing is an overpay that works against the Chiefs.