Shortly after news broke that free-agent wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown was signing with the Kansas City Chiefs, Brown posted a screenshot on Instagram of Chiefs head coach Andy Reid’s first text message to him.
“Hollywood, think Red today, KC Red with diamonds!!!” was Big Red’s text to Brown, which ended with an “eye wink” emoji.
Brown responded to Reid by writing, “Yessir love the sound of that. Think Hollywood Brown Lights, Camera, Action,” followed by two “rocket ship” emojis.
From Marquise "Hollywood" Brown's IG: pic.twitter.com/J9zJGZMZoZ
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) March 15, 2024
Brown Betting on Himself in KC
Brown, 26, was a first-round pick — 25th overall — of the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 180 pounds, Brown accumulated a total of 195 receptions for 2,361 yards and 21 touchdowns in his three seasons with the Ravens.
During the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, Baltimore traded Brown and a third-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for the 23rd overall pick of the 2022 draft. The Ravens eventually use that pick to draft their current starting center, Tyler Linderbaum.
Though Brown was the No. 1 receiver on Arizona’s roster during his two seasons with the Cardinals, injuries hampered his production. Over the last two seasons, Brown missed a total of eight games and registered 118 receptions, 1,283 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns while battling through different injuries.
Brown’s deal with the Chiefs is for one year and worth $7 million with a maximum value of $11 million, according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star. So, Brown is essentially playing on a prove-it deal with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions as he tries to re-establish his value in the NFL with a team on a quest for a three-peat.
As a player who is capable of playing out wide and in the slot, Brown’s speed element and ability to win on intermediate and deep routes will provide a much-needed spark to Kansas City’s offense.
Twitter/Reacts to Chiefs Signing Hollywood Brown
Users on X, formerly Twitter, reacted to the Chiefs signing Brown.
“(Brett) Veach been running circles around the league with his team building skills and people still trip every year at this time if he hasn’t made some kind of splash move…” ESPN analyst and former NFL player Louis Riddick wrote.
“This 1 year, $7-11M Hollywood Brown deal is a steal for KC,” Adam Best of Arrowhead Addict wrote. “Darnell Mooney, a lesser player, got 3 years, $39M. The Mahomes effect is real. Brown wants to put up numbers and get paid next offseason. Doubt anybody else could’ve gotten this bargain.”
“Travis Kelce controlling the middle of the field. Rashee Rice moving all over the formation. Hollywood Brown taking the top off. All of them spacing out the field for each other,” ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote.
“Marquise Brown will play with the Chiefs one year and look to turn it into a pay day like JuJu Smith-Schuster did Mahomes has the first downfield speedy target he can trust since Tyreek (Hill),” another user wrote. “Brown, Rice and Kelce – could see Mahomes get back to being Mahomes fantasy wise,” Michael F. Florio of NFL Media wrote.
