Russell Wilson comments on Duane Brown contract dispute
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson commented on his team’s contract dispute with left tackle Duane Brown. Brown is entering the last year of his contract with a $10 million base salary. He is choosing to sit out the preseason until he receives an extension. At 35, he is a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.
“I think anytime Duane’s not out there, it’s …,” Wilson told reporters Wednesday. “You always want your star left tackle out there. So just trusting the process, hoping it works out, because we definitely need him. That would be huge for us. He’s been one of the best in the game, obviously. I’m sure it’ll get figured out, worked out, and that’s what I’m hoping for and wanting.”
Russell Wilson and Duane Brown have been teammates since 2017, when Brown was traded to Seattle by the Houston Texans.
The 6-foot-4, 315-pound lineman has been a key piece on the Seahawks offensive line since his arrival. The left tackle has started 53 of 57 possible regular season games since joining the team.
“[Brown]’s probably the most physically fit guy on our team,” Wilson said. “He’s so athletic. He used to play, I think, tight end in high school. He’s a guy who’s a really athletic player. He can really run, gets out of his stance really well. He’s super strong. The guy’s doing like 20 pull-ups in here, and at his size to do 20 pull-ups is crazy, and he’ll do like three sets of them with a weighted vest on sometimes. He can do it. I think the thing about Duane is he’s really cerebral. He understands the game. He’s our leader up front. He’s one of those guys that can really demonstrate the game, how the game is supposed to be played.”
Background
Wilson was unhappy with the Seahawks’ offensive line last season. Trade rumors swirled around the draft as various reports hinted at the quarterback’s desire to play behind a better group of players.
Those rumors quickly dissipated and where downplayed by both parties after the Seahawks acquired former Raiders guard Gabe Jackson. The Seahawks also spent one of their three draft picks on tackle Stone Forsythe, who has filled in for Brown on the first-team line.
Seattle also brought in a new offensive coordinator to help mend the relationship with their star quarterback. Shane Waldron comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree and is tasked with meshing the desires of Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll into an effective game plan.