The Chiefs are going for a three-peat in 2024 despite having a clear pass-catcher weakness. While some thought the Chiefs would’ve landed Curtis Samuel, Mike Evans, or Calvin Ridley, the team signed Marquise Brown to a one-year, $7 million contract with the potential to hit $11 million.
Brown’s arrival promises to bolster their receiving corps, providing the big-play ability the team has missed since Tyreek Hill’s departure. Hollywood signed a one-year deal, proving he will bet on himself having a monster year with Patrick Mahomes as the missing piece of the Chiefs offense.
Let’s dive in to see Marquise Brown’s 2024 fantasy outlook after signing in the perfect fantasy landing spot.
THE PERFECT FIT WITH THE CHIEFS
Throughout his five-year career, Brown has demonstrated consistent production, averaging 729 receiving yards per season, which would have been the second-best mark by a Chiefs receiver last season.
His skill set aligns seamlessly with the offense, complementing Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice by adding a dimension of deep-threat capability. Brown can stretch the field with elite vertical speed (4.27 40-yard dash), filling a crucial void in the offense. It offers a weapon to capitalize on vertical opportunities and exploit defenses downfield, an aspect sorely missing since trading Tyreek.
With over 20% of his career targets coming on throws over 20 yards downfield, Brown’s proficiency in generating explosive plays bodes well, promising to inject newfound dynamism and unpredictability.
Brown’s versatility as a receiver is a significant asset for the Chiefs, as he can line up around the formation. With a career snap split of 70% outside and 30% inside, Brown’s ability to seamlessly transition between positions allows Andy Reid to manipulate personnel groups to maximize effectiveness in various game situations.
Despite not fitting the typical mold of a larger, boundary-reliant receiver at 5’9″ and 180~ pounds, Brown’s success on the perimeter adds an underrated dimension to his skill set. It challenges the notion that smaller receivers are primarily in the slot due to concerns over press coverage. As a result, the Chiefs can deploy Brown wherever across the formation, enhancing their offensive versatility and adaptability.
His addition addresses immediate needs and aligns with the team’s long-term vision, potentially solidifying his role as a pivotal figure in Kansas City’s aerial attack for seasons to come if it clicks this season.
REJOICE, HOLLYWOOD LANDS IN A PASSING OFFENSE
Marquise Brown stands to benefit significantly from the upgrade in quarterback play with Mahomes at the helm.
In contrast to his time with the Cardinals, where over a fifth of his targets were deemed inaccurate, Mahomes boasts a consistent record of keeping his inaccurate pass rate below 10% over the past three seasons.
While Brown isn’t solely reliant on deep routes, a substantial portion of his targets—21.7%—have been on throws of 20 air yards or more, exceeding the NFL average. His role aligns with former Chiefs WR Marquez Valdes–Scantling, who saw a significant share of deep targets during his time with the Chiefs, particularly last season.
Despite a relatively low catch rate on deep targets, Brown’s career trajectory suggests promise, especially considering the improved quarterback situation in Kansas City.
However, concerns linger regarding his target share, especially with Rice entering his second season. Notably, from Week 10 onwards, Rice and Kelce accounted for nearly half of the Chiefs’ targets, leaving Brown likely to slot in as the third option in the passing game.
Nonetheless, Brown’s historical target rate and average targets per game indicate a substantial involvement in the Chiefs’ passing attack, even amidst heavy targeting of other key players.
MARQUISE BROWN 2024 FANTASY OUTLOOK
Despite the anticipated reduction in volume due to the number of targets Kelce and Rice will see when healthy, Marquise Brown’s 2024 fantasy outlook remains promising with his move to the Chiefs.
The high pass rate of the Kansas City offense suggests that even with decreased volume, Brown will still see a substantial number of targets, and the efficiency of those targets is expected to improve significantly with Mahomes throwing the ball.
Underdog Fantasy Best Ball players are already scouring to draft Brown, as his ADP has risen 33.1 spots since March 1st. See where Hollywood checks in on 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings & Big Board after this massive signing.
