Chiefs bring back wide receiver 'Hollywood' Brown on deal worth up to $11 million, AP source says

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Kansas City Chiefs have secured wide receiver Marquise Brown on a one-year deal valued at up to $11 million, according to a source close to the negotiations. The deal, while not finalized, marks the continuation of Brown's tenure with the team after a challenging previous season marred by injury.

Brown, who signed a similar one-year contract last season, aimed to leverage a strong performance alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes into a more permanent contract. Unfortunately, his season was derailed when he suffered a dislocated shoulder during the preseason, requiring surgery and limiting his participation until mid-December. In total, he made just nine receptions for 91 yards in the regular season, adding five catches for 50 yards in the playoffs, including two in the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

At 27, Brown has proven to be a dynamic downfield threat when healthy but has grappled with injuries throughout his six-year NFL career. He has played a full 16-game season only once, prompting concerns about his durability. The Chiefs, facing potential losses of multiple receivers in free agency, will benefit from retaining at least one experienced player in Brown as they enter the next season with young talents like Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice.

However, both Worthy and Rice are currently facing off-field issues that could impact their availability. Worthy was recently arrested in Texas on charges of assault involving alleged choking, a serious third-degree felony. His attorneys maintain his innocence, while the Chiefs are aware of the situation and are collecting more information.

Rice, on the other hand, is dealing with multiple civil lawsuits and criminal charges stemming from a high-speed crash while driving a Lamborghini earlier in March 2024. As the Chiefs navigate these complications and prepare for the upcoming season, the retention of Brown adds a layer of stability to their wide receiver corps amidst uncertainty.