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 agreed to re-sign wide receiver Marquise Brown on a one-year deal that could reach $11 million, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. While the agreement has yet to be finalized, it marks a return for Brown, who faced an injury-plagued season after joining the team on a similar contract last year.

Last season, Brown's ambitions of a breakout year alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes were dashed when he dislocated his shoulder during the preseason. This injury required surgery, sidelining him until Week 15. In his limited appearances, he recorded nine catches for 91 yards and contributed five catches for 50 yards in the playoffs, including a showing in the Super Bowl loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

At 27, Brown has demonstrated his potential as a dynamic downfield threat, but injuries have hampered his performance throughout his six-year NFL career, with only one season in which he played all 16 games. The Chiefs were at risk of losing multiple receivers, including DeAndre Hopkins and JuJu Smith-Schuster, which made retaining Brown crucial for maintaining veteran presence alongside their younger talents.

Those young players, Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, may face challenges that could impact their availability. Worthy was recently arrested on felony charges related to domestic assault, with his attorneys asserting his innocence. The Chiefs are aware of the situation and are currently gathering more information regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Rice is involved in legal issues stemming from a high-speed crash earlier this year, and he is awaiting outcomes for civil lawsuits and criminal charges. As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, the situation of their wide receiver group remains uncertain but is bolstered by Brown's return.