Russell Wilson wants Seattle Seahawks to pay Duane Brown
All-Pro quarterback Russell Wilson wants the Seattle Seahawks to settle their contract dispute with left tackle Duane Brown. Brown is currently not practicing as he seeks a new contract, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson.
Wilson publicly shared desire for Brown to return
After a mock game with the Seahawks over the weekend, Wilson said that Brown is one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. Brown, a 36-year-old, 14-year NFL veteran, is entering the final season of his current deal. He is due $11.35 million.
“Not having Duane Brown out there is a pretty significant deal because I think he’s one of the best left tackles in the game, there’s no arguing it,” Wilson said. “I think he’s as good as it gets. There’s nobody more athletic, more talented than he is. Age is just a number. He looks like he’s 28-30 out there. He’s really exceptional. So smart and physical, understands the game, and I think people fear him, to be honest with you, when they’re rushing him and playing against him.
“So we definitely want to be able to get him back out there. We’ve got to figure that out because we need Duane Brown.”
Brown isn’t only Seahawk with a contract dispute
Safety Jamal Adams is also currently not practicing as he seeks a new contract. Adams is the Seahawks’ top priority, according to Henderson.
Last season, Brown appeared in all 16 games and was one of the more dominant left tackles in football. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that his relationship with Brown is still great.
“Duane and I are doing great,” Carroll said. “In our conversations and stuff, he’s been great. He’s making a statement. He’s making a statement about what he feels he needs to have happen.”
The Seahawks’ first regular season game is on September 12th. When that day rolls around, Wilson wants to know that his blindside protector in Brown will be out there on the field beside him.
“We need to figure that out because he’s really special, obviously,” Wilson said. “Like I said, I think he’s one of the best left tackles in the game. I think he’s got several more years to play, I think he can definitely do it. I don’t think there’s anybody more athletic than him. You see what he can do. And he’s also our leader. He’s a guy who really leads the offensive line, and really, he commands the offensive line and really can set the tone.”
Image courtesy of: Timothy T Ludwig via Getty Images.