Patrick Mahomes expects a ‘different’ Hollywood Brown with Chiefs in 2024

Kansas City’s quarterback and head coach Andy Reid discussed new additions on offense in Monday’s media comments.

As the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off Phase One of their offseason program on Monday, head coach Andy Reid and the quarterback answered questions from the media via Zoom.

Among the topics was new wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who joined the team in free agency last month. His new quarterback likes what he has seen so far from the 25th overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft.

“With Hollywood,” Mahomes observed, “obviously, you see the speed instantly. What I’ve liked so far is how hard he works. He’s been running good in the workouts with the route running. And he wants more — he wants to continue to push himself more and more. I think he’ll have a great role in this offense the way he’s able to run rounds [and] the way he’s able to stretch the field.”

While Brown is entering his sixth season, Mahomes anticipates the unexpected when the wideout finally suits up in red and gold.

James Wooldridge/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

“I think it’ll be even different than you’ve seen him before,” the face of the league predicted, “because I think we can use him in different ways that I think he hasn’t been utilized yet.”

Brown’s calling card has been devastating speed on vertical routes, but Reid avoided boxing his new toy into any one role.

“Hollywood Brown is a good speed receiver,” the coach reiterated. “He can play inside or outside. I stay away from saying a deep threat — although he can do that. He can play within the offense and do all of the different routes that we ask. He’s a nice addition. He’s got some experience and production.”

Reid also addressed a less heralded free agent addition: former Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. Despite less-than-ideal size for the position, the league’s foremost offensive mind believes Smith has plenty to work with.

Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images

“Irv is a tight end,” Reid noted. “He kind of does everything pretty good. He’s a good, solid football player. He’s a good receiver, good after the catch [and] a good blocker. Not necessarily the biggest guy, but [he] really plays a good, physical game. I kind of like what he’s shown in the past.”

Smith has missed time throughout his career with multiple injuries, while Brown missed three games in 2023 due to a foot injury. Whatever they may accomplish in the early part of the offseason, Reid knows their most important goal.

“I think important, really, for both of these guys, is that they’re able to keep themselves healthy and rolling,” he stressed. “That’s going to be part of it as we go forward.”