Levi

Brown

The deal is expected to be announced on Friday. The Arizona Republic’s Kent Somers reports Brown could be shifted to right tackle, but that would be contingent on the Cardinals finding a viable alternative at left tackle. It’s unlikely in a very thin free agent tackle market, though it could happen at No. 13 overall in the draft.

Brown was a free agent for all of three days. Released Monday to avoid an unreasonable $17 million cap hit, one of the league’s most underachieving tackles might get another shot to man the blindside in Arizona. However, the Arizona Republic has reported he could be shifted to right tackle. That would require finding an upgrade in free agency or the draft, but could be viewed as a necessity since Brown has consistently been one of the league’s worst linemen since being the fifth overall pick of the 2007 draft. He’s still only 27 years old.

A league source told Profootballtalk.com that “momentum” is pointing toward Brown getting released by that date, rather than the sides reaching a redone deal. Brown is a 28-year-old power blocker and will attract plenty of interest on a shallow market for offensive tackles. He may as well take a dip in the free agent waters before agreeing to return to the Cardinals.

Brown was set to count a gargantuan $17 million against the cap during the final year of his rookie deal. The move clears roughly $14.5 million in cap space. The fifth overall pick of the 2007 draft, Brown has started all 16 games each of the past four seasons, but routinely graded out as one of the league’s worst tackles. He’s joining a free agent market exceptionally thin on experienced tackles, however, and could very easily land starter’s money.

Brown is due a $17 million cap number and $6 million roster bonus on March 12. The Cardinals cannot afford to pay him, so a contract termination (release) is the inevitable outcome if no new deal is reached. Offensive tackle is the weakest position in 2012 free agency, so hitting the market might not be so bad for Brown. He’d have only Jared Gaither, Demetrius Bell, and Anthony Collins to compete with for the top spot in the class.

Brown’s $16.9 million cap number in the final year of his rookie contract would be wiped out and redone on a new deal. While fans want the Cardinals to move on from an oft-ineffective Brown, the organization holds him in high regard, particularly as a run blocker. They’d still be crazy to break the bank.

It could be a sign the Cardinals are planning to out-right decline Brown’s $9.65 million roster bonus instead of attempting to bring him back at a more reasonable price. Brown would have little incentive to play ball on a potential restructure if it didn’t also include an extension.

All signs have been pointing toward Brown hitting the open market, and a breakthrough in talks with the Cardinals does not appear to be on the horizon. Releasing Brown would clear roughly $14.5 million in cap space. Although he struggled mightily in 2011, Brown could find a nice payday in a thin market for tackles.

The perennial underachiever also admitted he needs to “prove what I am capable of and set the record straight.” There’s been talk the No. 5 pick of the 2007 draft will be shifted to right tackle, but unless the Cardinals find an upgrade in the draft, they’ll likely be stuck with Brown on the blindside.

Brown is currently set to receive an unreasonable $17.98 million between salary and bonuses. The Republic believes Brown could be shifted to right tackle if he’s willing to return at a lower cost. Pro Football Focus graded Brown as the league’s fourth worst left tackle in 2011.