This Kansas City Chiefs free agent should be targeted by the Dallas Cowboys.

The Dallas Cowboys, under the direction of owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy, have consistently shown that they are one of the most competitive and ambitious teams in the NFL. However, like every franchise, there are areas of their roster that could use improvement or added depth to push them closer to a Super Bowl. While the draft and internal development are always a priority, free agency can sometimes provide the final piece of the puzzle. In this context, one potential target for the Dallas Cowboys is a player from the Kansas City Chiefs—a franchise that has enjoyed incredible success over the last few seasons, including two Super Bowl victories in recent years. The player in question is Orlando Brown Jr., the talented offensive tackle who could be a key addition to the Cowboys’ offensive line and help elevate their chances of winning a championship.
Why Orlando Brown Jr. is the Ideal Target
Orlando Brown Jr., an imposing 6’8″, 340-pound tackle, is one of the top free agents available in the 2025 offseason. A former second-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens, Brown became one of the league’s top left tackles before being traded to the Chiefs in 2021. Since then, he has continued to develop into a dominant force along the offensive line, contributing significantly to the Chiefs’ success, including their 2022 Super Bowl victory.
Brown is a powerful and technically sound tackle, known for his ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes in the running game. He played a critical role in helping protect Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, particularly in high-stakes games. His ability to block against some of the league’s best pass-rushers, such as the Buffalo Bills’ Von Miller and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Joey Bosa, speaks volumes about his elite talent.
For the Cowboys, targeting Brown would address one of the team’s most pressing needs—strengthening their offensive line. While the Cowboys’ line has seen success over the past decade, it has also been riddled with injuries and aging players. Adding a player of Brown’s caliber would give the Cowboys a significant upgrade on the left side of their line, providing franchise quarterback Dak Prescott with better protection and giving the running game more room to operate.
The Cowboys’ Offensive Line Situation
The offensive line has been a key factor in the Cowboys’ success and failures in recent years. At their peak, the Cowboys boasted one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, with stars like Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and La’el Collins anchoring the group. However, the line has slowly started to deteriorate due to injuries, aging players, and a lack of consistent depth.
Tyron Smith, in particular, has been a key part of the offensive line for many years. However, his durability has been a growing concern, as he has missed significant time due to injuries over the past few seasons. At 33 years old, Smith is no longer the player he once was, and the Cowboys need to start planning for the future of their offensive line. While young players like Tyler Smith and Terrence Steele have shown promise, having an experienced and reliable veteran like Brown would stabilize the unit.
La’el Collins, another key member of the Cowboys’ offensive line, was released by the team before the 2022 season, and while the Cowboys have been able to patch the gaps left by his departure, the team still lacks a premier left tackle. Although Tyler Smith has impressed when filling in at left tackle, he is naturally more suited for guard, and moving him back to his original position would further bolster the interior of the line.
Adding Orlando Brown would provide the Cowboys with an established left tackle who could anchor the line for years to come. Brown’s ability to protect Prescott’s blindside is invaluable, as it would not only help preserve the franchise quarterback’s health but also give him more time in the pocket to make decisions. Additionally, Brown’s presence could contribute to the development of other young offensive linemen, offering them a mentor and a high standard to aspire to.
Enhancing Dak Prescott’s Protection
One of the primary objectives of upgrading the offensive line is to protect Dak Prescott. Over the years, Prescott has proven to be one of the most consistent quarterbacks in the league, but he has often faced pressure due to poor protection. While the Cowboys’ offensive line has had its moments of dominance, they’ve also allowed a considerable amount of pressure on Prescott, leading to sacks, rushed throws, and, ultimately, a decrease in overall offensive efficiency.
Brown’s ability to protect the quarterback and create a stable pocket would be a huge asset to Prescott’s performance. A quarterback’s ability to perform is closely tied to the protection they get from their offensive line, and a consistent, reliable left tackle like Brown would allow Prescott to go through his progressions without constantly worrying about pressure. This, in turn, could lead to fewer turnovers, better accuracy, and more scoring drives.
Additionally, Brown’s presence on the left side would allow the Cowboys’ coaching staff to experiment with different line combinations and maintain flexibility. With a talented tackle like Brown, the Cowboys could focus on strengthening other positions, such as the interior of the line, knowing that their left side is secure.
Creating Running Lanes for Tony Pollard
While protecting the quarterback is a critical part of any offensive line’s responsibilities, creating running lanes for the running back is equally important. In 2023, Tony Pollard emerged as the Cowboys’ primary running back after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott, and his explosive ability has become one of the team’s biggest assets. However, Pollard’s effectiveness is heavily dependent on the offensive line’s ability to open up running lanes.
Orlando Brown’s ability to run block is a huge asset. His size and strength allow him to push defenders off the line of scrimmage and create space for the running back to operate. With Brown as the left tackle, the Cowboys could establish a more consistent and potent running attack, allowing Pollard to break free for more explosive plays.
Additionally, Brown’s run-blocking ability would allow the Cowboys to be more creative with their play calling. The offensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage would give offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer more flexibility in how he designs running plays. Pollard could be given more opportunities to showcase his speed and vision, while Brown’s dominance in the run game would help maintain balance on offense.
The Long-Term Benefits of Adding Orlando Brown
Signing Orlando Brown to a long-term contract would not only improve the Cowboys’ offensive line immediately but would also provide them with stability at the left tackle position for years to come. Left tackle is one of the most important positions on the field, and Brown has shown throughout his career that he is one of the best in the business. With a long-term commitment to Brown, the Cowboys could avoid having to constantly address the position in future drafts or free agency cycles.
The financial commitment to Brown would also give the Cowboys the opportunity to draft other key positions in the future without having to overpay for another offensive lineman. In a salary cap-driven league, having a reliable left tackle on a long-term deal would allow the Cowboys to allocate their resources in other areas, such as wide receiver, defensive back, or edge rusher.
In terms of player development, Brown’s leadership and experience would be invaluable. He has been a key player on a Super Bowl-winning team in Kansas City, and his knowledge of high-level football would be a great asset to the Cowboys’ locker room. His influence on young players, particularly those in the offensive line room, could help elevate the overall play of the unit.