Hollywood Brown’s Kansas City Chapter Likely Closing After Uneven 2025 Season
When the Chiefs signed Hollywood Brown ahead of the 2024 season, the vision was clear: inject speed, separation, and a veteran presence into a wide receiver room that had just undergone a reshuffle after a Super Bowl LVIII title. On paper, Brown looked like the perfect fit - a former first-rounder with the wheels to stretch defenses and the experience to thrive in a Patrick Mahomes-led offense.
But the reality didn’t quite match the expectations.
Brown’s Kansas City tenure got off to a rocky start - and never fully recovered. He suffered an injury on his very first play of the preseason, sidelining him until December.
By the time he returned, the offense had already formed its identity without him. He flashed at times late in the year, showing glimpses of the dynamic playmaker he can be.
But those moments were fleeting, and ultimately, the Chiefs never got the consistent production they hoped for.
Now, as Brown hits free agency and approaches his 29th birthday this summer, the question becomes: how much does he still have left to offer?
A Closer Look at Brown’s 2025 Season
Statistically, Brown’s 2025 campaign was serviceable. He appeared in 16 games and posted 49 catches for 587 yards and five touchdowns - nearly identical to his final season in Arizona back in 2023. He averaged 12 yards per reception and showed respectable metrics in yards after the catch (4.3) and average separation (3.2 yards), according to Next Gen Stats.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Kansas City gave Brown chances to be a vertical threat, dialing up deep shots throughout the year. The problem?
The connection was inconsistent. Whether it was timing, chemistry, or just missed opportunities, Brown never quite became the explosive downfield weapon the Chiefs hoped for.
On a per-route basis, his production was middling - not disastrous, but not game-changing either.
And when the Chiefs needed someone to step up in key moments, it was often someone else - like Tyquan Thornton - who answered the call. Brown, meanwhile, was too often a non-factor in critical drives.
What’s Next for Brown?
With free agency looming, Brown’s market is likely to reflect his recent production. Spotrac projects his next deal at just over $5 million per year - a fair valuation for a veteran receiver who can still contribute but is no longer viewed as a top option.
At this stage of his career, Brown profiles best as a WR3 or WR4: someone who can bring speed and experience to a receiver room, but not someone you build your passing game around. Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career, and for a player who relies on quickness and burst, that’s a concern teams will weigh heavily.
Still, there are teams out there who could use a player like Brown. The Browns and Jets are in desperate need of wide receiver help.
The Titans and Commanders are expected to be active in retooling their receiving corps. And veteran-led teams like the Giants, Steelers, and Colts might see value in adding a savvy, low-cost option to their rotation.
Is a Return to Kansas City in the Cards?
It’s hard to see it.
The Chiefs are expected to overhaul their wide receiver group once again this offseason, and Brown’s skill set - smaller, speed-based, and somewhat redundant with other returning players - doesn’t fill the gaps they need to address. Kansas City needs more size, more reliability, and more consistency at the position. And while Brown gave them some flashes, the overall impact just wasn’t there.
A reunion feels unlikely. The Chiefs will likely look elsewhere for depth, and Brown will probably be looking for a fresh start of his own - ideally with a team that values his experience and can carve out a role that suits his current strengths.
For Hollywood Brown, the Kansas City chapter may be closing. But there’s still a chance for a new beginning - one where expectations are more aligned with what he can realistically bring to the field.