Baltimore Ravens right tackle Orlando Brown has voiced his frustrations since their season ended. Much of these frustrations have stemmed from him being played at right tackle, with Baltimore starting Ronnie Stanley on the blindside. These frustrations have continued to build up, and now Brown is asking to be traded away from Baltimore.
Orlando Brown Jr. Background
At a massive 6’8″, 345 pounds, Brown has been a force for the Ravens. Drafted 83rd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Brown was a talented left tackle prospect out of Oklahoma, and he is the son of the great Orlando Brown Sr., who played for the Ravens as recently as 2005.
Playing on his rookie contract, Brown had a strong season, allowing 24 hurries all season long while also moving bodies in the running game. The issue is that Brown is starting at right tackle, when everyone is healthy.
“Growing up in my household, if you were going to play O-line, my dad didn’t want you being on the right side.”
– Orlando Brown told The Baltimore Sun in November
The left tackle, Stanley, was nothing short of terrific this season. Of all tackles that played at least 20 percent of offensive snaps, Stanley was graded second-best in pass blocking by Pro Football Focus. With blindside tackles making millions more than their counterparts, Brown’s frustrations on getting moved to the right can be justified. He also put together plenty of film at left tackle this season, with Stanley getting injured.
So, with Brown wanting to leave the same organization that his late father played for, these are three Orlando Brown trade destinations that make sense.
Orlando Brown Trade Destinations
Indianapolis Colts
An Orlando Brown trade to the Indianapolis Colts makes a ton of sense for both Brown and the Colts, but it remains to be seen if the Ravens would be willing to trade him to an AFC contender. Anthony Castonzo, long-time left tackle for Indianapolis, has announced his decision to hang it up this offseason. With a massive hole on the left end of their offensive line, the Colts must find a replacement to protect whoever they decide will be slinging the rock for them this season.
With the Colts being in a position to go all-in and compete for a Super Bowl, Brown gives them starter-level talent and a team-friendly contract. They will have the money to spend on a quarterback, receiving weapons and anywhere else they would like to improve before next season. Again, the Ravens aren’t stupid. It remains to be seen if they will be willing to make the Colts better.
Carolina Panthers
Again, the Carolina Panthers are another team that needs to solidify the left side for whoever is their quarterback. They appear non-committal to Teddy Bridgewater. If they are willing to explore quarterback trades, they should be very excited to trade for Brown.
Russell Okung was the left tackle for Carolina last season. Okung has played a combined 13 games over the past two seasons, due to injury. With him being an unrestricted free agent, there is a solid chance he will not be returning to the Panthers. Acquiring Brown would be a cheaper, younger option for this team that would improve the unit as a whole.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are another AFC contender that surely won’t be getting a bargain deal from the Ravens. Still, it is still a trade the Chiefs should explore.
We saw in the Super Bowl the importance of solid offensive line play. Patrick Mahomes was either running for his life or getting thrown around like a rag doll. Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz were both out injured for the game. There also is no guarantee either will be back next season, due to age, injuries, salary cap restrictions, etc. The Chiefs clearly ready to compete right now. A trade for Brown could be the move to bring them back to the Super Bowl next season.
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