Hollywood Brown had so many conversations with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the 2019 draft that he believed he would be selected to pair with Patrick Mahomes in their high-flying attack.

Baltimore drafted him in the first round before Kansas City did.

However, after a detour through Arizona, where the Ravens traded him and where Brown had spent the previous two years suffering with lingering injuries and quarterback instability, the quick wide receiver arrived in Kansas City on Monday. Brown inked a one-year contract for up to $11 million to offer Mahomes another downfield option in the Chiefs’ passing offense.

“The world has a way of bringing things around like that,” Brown added, smiling.

Despite defeating the San Francisco 49ers for their second consecutive Super Bowl triumph, the Chiefs realized they needed to improve at wide receiver, where rookie Rashee Rice had practically become the unchallenged leader by default. However, they refused to hurry into a big-money, long-term contract with one of the top free agents, instead waiting for the appropriate moment.

It wasn’t the $50 million guarantee the Titans provided Calvin Ridley. Or the $26 million guarantee the Falcons made to Darnell Mooney. For example, the Jaguars paid Gabe Davis $24 million, and the Bills paid Curtis Samuel $15 million.

No, it was a low-risk, high-reward trade for a wide receiver the Chiefs had coveted since college.

“They were strong on me,” Brown explained, “so it was sort of like mutual interest.” “That was very appealing.”

It was also the correct deal for Brown. He turns 27 in June, so there is still time in his career to transform a productive season in one of the NFL’s most pass-friendly schemes into a far more lucrative multi-year contract the following offseason.

“There’s firearms here,” he added, “and I believe I can supplement the individuals they have here. And Coach (Andy) Reid? He’s the mastermind. Patrick Mahomes: “I’m excited to work with everyone.”

Brown’s greatest season came three years ago in Baltimore, when he grabbed 91 catches for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns. The following year, he was dealt to the Cardinals, where he recorded 118 receptions for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns in 26 games.

Those figures may appear low, but consider this: Brown had 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns last season, trailing only Rice and tight end Travis Kelce in receptions, yards, and touchdowns for the Chiefs – and he did so in 12 full games.

Brown also appears to be motivated. Mahomes has invited his wide receivers and tight ends to his Texas home in recent offseasons for what amounts to a voluntary training camp, and he was already looking forward to getting down there.

“From the outside looking in, he just appears to be a very passionate guy,” Brown remarked, “and I am a very passionate person.” He wants to do whatever it takes to win. That is what you desire. You want to play alongside someone who can push you to the next level. I think he’s one of those men.

Kansas City still needs to round out its offense. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was dismissed, and fellow wide outs Richie James and Mecole Hardman are free agents, while Kadarius Toney may be fighting for a job this season, indicating that wide receiver remains a position of need as free agency progresses and the NFL draft approaches in April.

The Chiefs must also address the starting left tackle and running back positions, as there is little behind Isiah Pacheco.