Saturday's multi-year contract extension for Duane Brown that will keep the left tackle in a Seahawks uniform for the rest of his NFL career didn't necessarily come as too much of a surprise to the four-time Pro Bowler.
"I knew for a long time that I was secure here," a joyous Brown said following Sunday's training camp practice at Renton's Virginia Mason Athletic Center. "It's just a matter of getting it done."
That confidence stemmed from the fact that the Seattle organization made it clear to Brown when he arrived via trade in the middle of the 2017 season that he was to be a big part of the Seahawks' long-term plans.
"They communicated that early on and there was no doubt in any of our minds that it'd get done," said Brown. "I wanted to show my commitment to our team and the future by being here. Just my situation, coming in halfway through the season you want to be here for the offseason, for me to learn the team more, to have my impact in the locker room, my leadership skills and I was grateful to be able to do that and they worked behind the scenes to get it done. I'm just grateful everything came into play."
As Brown notes, he has not only made a significant difference to the Seahawks with his play, but also with his leadership off the field and in the meeting room. The 32-year-old veteran is heading into his 11th NFL season and Seattle is counting on Brown to help solidify an offensive line group that hopes to take a big step forward this year given its favorable position-by-position continuity from the season prior.
"Unbelievable. So happy for Duane," said offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. "It's great to know that he's here for a couple more years. He deserves it. I know he's excited and just thrilled that they got it done. He just continues to impress not with just his play, but with his leadership. He's a loud voice in that room."
Brown, who in 2017 chose to stay away from training camp and the first half of the regular season while seeking a new contract with the Houston Texans, said he has had "a sense of peace for a long time. Last year at this time of year I was very anxious and uncertain. But this whole year I've been at peace. I wasn't worried about anything when I showed up for workouts, or when I showed up for OTAs, I wasn't worried about what was going on behind the scenes. I was just handling my business and controlling what I can control." On Saturday, signing a new deal with the Seahawks brought Brown "ultimate joy."
"It's a great feeling. I'm extremely happy and grateful," he said. "Very thankful to the organization, Paul Allen, John Schneider, coach (Pete) Carroll, everybody that worked to secure me here for a long time. I'm looking forward to finishing up my career here. It's a great organization. Love the team, love the city, love the fans. I'm just immensely grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to getting to work."
Take a look back at some of the best photos of Seahawks left tackle Duane Brown as he signs a multi-year contract extension with the club.
