NFL Rumors: Austin Ekeler trade ideas, Chiefs right on Orlando Brown, Steelers draft signal

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after his catch during a 23-17 win over the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after his catch during a 23-17 win over the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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NFL rumors Austin Ekeler Chiefs Steelers
Orlando Brown Jr. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

NFL rumors are swirling and we take a look at Austin Ekeler trade landing spots, the Steelers signals for the draft, and the Chiefs making the right call.

It’s most definitely NFL rumors season with free agency set to begin on Wednesday but with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday as well and many big deals having already been agreed to. However, it’s the prospect of what could happen still that has fans checking in constantly.

Of course, Aaron Rodgers has dominated the NFL rumors cycle with a heavy sprinkle of Lamar Jackson as well. But there’s more than that. Orlando Brown Jr., after not being re-signed or franchise tagged by the Chiefs, shockingly remains without a deal. Meanwhile, the Steelers have lost some key defensive pieces. And on top of that, Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has requested a trade.

So lets take a look at these NFL rumors and break down some key aspects as to why things are happening and, more importantly, what they could mean moving forward.

NFL rumors: Chiefs look right not ponying up for Orlando Brown Jr.

Whenever the Kansas City Chiefs let the franchise tag deadline pass without tagging Orlando Brown Jr., there were a plethora of furrowed brows around the league wondering why that was the case. After all, this was a team letting its left tackle hit the open market.

Since then, though, the Chiefs have signed Jawaan Taylor to fill at least one tackle spot — presumably on the left side with a move from his normal position — on a lucrative deal. More importantly, though, Brown remains unsigned on the open market. And now we’re starting to figure out why.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on NFL Live, the league views Brown as a right tackle outside of Kansas City but the tackle remains adamant he wants to play on the left side, which is causing issues in negotiations.

This is highly intriguing considering that Brown was traded to the Chiefs from the Ravens because of his desire to move to the left side. Kansas City obliged but they clearly had some reservations about that being the long-term plan or else he might still be in the building.

As of right now, though, the Chiefs are looking quite smart for their decision to let Brown hit the market as, clearly, he wasn’t as coveted as many believed he might be.