The Seattle Seahawks have reached a deal with left tackle Duane Brown for a contract extension, as announced by the team on Saturday. The extension, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, spans three years and is valued at $36.5 million. Brown, who will be turning 33 in August, had one year left on his prior contract with the Seahawks, set to earn $9.75 million for the 2018 season. Seattle had acquired Brown in a trade with the Houston Texans during the previous season.
With this extension, Brown is now contracted with the Seahawks through the 2021 season. The move comes amidst ongoing negotiations with All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas, who has requested the team to either extend his contract or trade him away.
Brown is among several key Seahawks players facing contract situations this year, along with Thomas, linebacker K.J. Wright, defensive end Frank Clark, and wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Retaining Brown is crucial for the team as they aim to strengthen their offensive line, a position group that has been a significant weakness in recent seasons.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, the Seahawks finished the 2017 season with just 1,027 rushing yards by non-quarterbacks, the lowest in the NFL since the 2006 Detroit Lions.
In the previous season, quarterback Russell Wilson led the team with 586 rushing yards, followed by Mike Davis with 240 yards.
Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seahawks, commented on Brown, stating, “Duane made an immediate impression on us when he got here. This is a real leader. He’s a real man in that huddle and the locker room, and we’re very, very fortunate to have him.”
