Duane Brown joined Jamal Adams in skipping Seahawks activities last summer and as a hold-in to start training camp. However, a restructured contract led Brown back onto the field. And the veteran left tackle played in all 17 Seahawks games last season.
The Seahawks again will face a decision on Brown, who resides as one of the NFL’s oldest players. The 36-year-old left tackle is on track for free agency, but the Seahawks appear interested in continuing this partnership. They are likely planning to re-sign Brown, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes.
A Pro Bowl alternate last season, Brown started every Seahawks game for the third time in his four full seasons with the team. The Seahawks extended Brown for three years and $34MM in the summer of 2018, but the veteran left tackle sought another contract last summer. Although Seattle did not extend Brown, the team’s compromise of additional guaranteed money and injury protection proved sufficient. Brown, a former Texans first-round pick who became a Seahawks trade addition in 2017, is now on track for free agency for the first time.
Russell Wilson backed the Seahawks keeping Brown in the fold last year. Although Wilson is again being mentioned in trade rumors, not too much has emerged on this front this year. Seattle’s roster also does not resemble a rebuilding team’s, which would make a Brown return logical. The Seahawks would likely appease Wilson by retaining Brown, who has started all 203 games he has played in his 14-year career.
Pro Football Focus slots Duane Brown as this year’s third-best left tackle free agent — behind Terron Armstead and Orlando Brown Jr. Armstead appears on track for free agency, but the Chiefs should be expected to use their franchise tag on Orlando Brown. Even approaching his late 30s, Duane Brown should still generate some interest on the market — if the Seahawks cannot complete an extension before the legal tampering period opens March 14. The Seahawks have nearly $35MM in projected cap space, ranking in the league’s top 10 here three-plus weeks away from free agency.
Probably time to move on.
Russell was hounded all last season. He got hurt and had to sit for the first time in his career. It’s a business not a fellowship. The Hawks need to move to younger players across their roster.
I don’t see Seattle paying him what he wants. He is slowing down and there will be other options. Maybe a Brown Jr and not just a Brown.
Keep him if you can. However, need to Look at other younger options for the immediate & long term future needs.