The Cincinnati Bengals have been one of the NFL’s best teams over the past two seasons. This is despite having serious issues protecting Joe Burrow. On Wednesday, they made a significant move toward fixing those issues.
It was reported on Wednesday that the Bengals have signed Orlando Brown Jr. This is big for two reasons. One, it helps Cincinnati solidify its offensive line. Two, Brown had been a vital piece of the offense for the Kansas City Chiefs — the Bengals’ AFC Championship Game opponent over the last two seasons.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported the deal, adding that it’s “a four-year, $64.092 million front-loaded deal” and “includes an over $31M signing bonus.”
Sources: Four-time Pro Bowl tackle and Super Bowl champ Orlando Brown Jr. is finalizing a four-year, $64.092 million front-loaded deal with the #Bengals that includes an over $31M signing bonus — largest ever for an o-lineman.
Brown’s agent, Michael Portner, confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/GFFZX0zLrs
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023
The football world had a lot to say about the massive addition to Cincinnati’s team.
Smart signing by the #Bengals https://t.co/qKYMcRojsf
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 16, 2023
This is pretty incredible. Wow. https://t.co/uHwTV4pOdx
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) March 16, 2023
A massive win for the Bengals. The free agency turn that fans had been waiting for happens on Day 3. The attitude inside the Bengals building has to be electric now knowing you have one of the best OTs protecting Joe Burrow. #BoldBengals https://t.co/AVEBqwAOOG
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) March 16, 2023
Gigantic addition for Cincy
Feels out of nowhere. Love it for @JoeGoodberry https://t.co/lealZo1fpo
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 16, 2023
Big get for Bengals… https://t.co/yEkIrkCgOA
— Scott Gulbransen (@LVGully) March 16, 2023
Is he playing left or right? https://t.co/JAv75Z5PdK
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) March 16, 2023
Shortly after the deal was announced, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network shared a conversation with Brown. In it, the newest Bengal said “I’m super thankful for the opportunity to carry on my father’s legacy and be a left tackle. It was important to be able to play that position and play for a winning team and a winning quarterback.”
Just spoke to new #Bengals LT Orlando Brown Jr.: "I'm super thankful for the opportunity to carry on my father's legacy and be a left tackle. It was important to be able to play that position and play for a winning team and a winning quarterback. Who Dey!"
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 16, 2023
Brown was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. For most of his time in the NFL, he’s been one of the NFL’s best tackles.
After making the Pro Bowl in the 2019 and 2020 seasons in Baltimore, Brown was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. He made the Pro Bowl again in 2021, but couldn’t reach a long-term deal with Kansas City ahead of the 2022 season. He played it under the franchise tag and earned not only a fourth straight Pro Bowl trip but also helped the Chiefs win the Super Bowl.
