We have officially reached the NFL’s dead zone. While the NFL is now a year-round spectacle, the stretch between the draft and the start of training camp is definitely the longest one without any real, substantial news. Yes, the NFL schedule was released, but otherwise, it’s largely a time when fans speculate about how the team will perform and which players are set up to shine next season.

One player that is currently being overlooked in those discussions for the Kansas City Chiefs is wideout Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.

Brown came to KC last offseason with a lot of buzz. He was positioned to be the Chiefs’ most reliable wideout, with his only competition being then-second-year player Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy. Unfortunately, Brown was injured in KC’s first preseason game and wasn’t able to return until a couple of regular-season games and the postseason. While he contributed a little down the stretch, he never really reached the potential he flashed last offseason and during training camp.

When Brown re-signed with KC on another one-year deal, it received far less attention than his initial signing. In fact, Brown has almost been completely overlooked when discussing the Chiefs’ wide receivers this offseason. Xavier Worthy flashed some upside in his rookie year. Rashee Rice looked like a star in the making before also getting injured late last season. Then the Chiefs excited fans by drafting Jalen Royals in the fourth round of the draft.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Hollywood Brown has been the fourth most talked-about receiver for the Chiefs this offseason. While the buzz last season about him being a potential No. 1 receiver for KC may have been a little lofty, the pendulum has now swung too far the other way. Yes, Brown’s most productive season—91 receptions, 1,000 yards, and six touchdowns—was four years ago, but he still has the most proven track record of any receiver on KC’s roster.

Brown has averaged 4.4 receptions per game in his NFL career. If he were to stay healthy for a full 17-game season, that average would put him at about 75 receptions this year. While those aren’t Pro Bowl numbers, that would still be the third-highest reception total for a Chiefs wide receiver since Tyreek Hill left Kansas City.

Patrick Mahomes was asked about getting Brown back and healthy at a press conference last month and said:

“Hopefully him having the whole offseason and training camp and keep staying healthy and continuing to grind through, his role will expand even more. I mean it’s hard to throw guys in at the end of the season and try to give them a huge role. I think you see when he gets the football in his hands and he has a huge role in the offense, it makes everybody go.”

I definitely think that Brown is going to be a bigger part of this offense than some people are expecting in 2025. Yes, they will continue to develop Xavier Worthy. Yes, Rashee Rice will be a focal point when he is fully healthy (and not suspended). Yes, I’m sure they’ll want to see what rookie Jalen Royals has to offer. But Brown is the most experienced NFL wideout on this roster, and he showed great chemistry with Mahomes last offseason. Don’t be surprised if they build on that this season.

So what do you think, Chiefs fans? Is Hollywood Brown going to be an important part of KC’s passing attack this season? Do you think they’ll minimize his role to focus on the younger options on the roster? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.