Seattle Seahawks could get ‘creative’ with Duane Brown contract, want to avoid extension

Seattle Seahawks, Duane Brown

Jan 3, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Duane Brown (76) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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The Seattle Seahawks caved to Jamal Adams contract demands this summer and settled their differences with Russell Wilson. As the 2021 NFL season draws closer, the lingering contract saga with left tackle Duane Brown isn’t going away.

Brown, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is staging a hold-in this summer. He is attending Seahawks’ practices to avoid the daily $50,000 fines, but he isn’t taking part in team drills. Turning 36 in August, Brown wants to be rewarded with a long-term deal to end his career in Seattle.

Unfortunately for Brown, the Seahawks’ organization isn’t keen on a long-term deal. But while the front office is hesitant to extend its franchise tackle beyond the 2021 season, there is potential interest in tweaking his contract to better reflect his performance.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo provided an update with where things stand between the Seahawks and Brown. While Seattle isn’t certain how much “good football” Brown has left, it could sweeten the last year of his contract with increased incentives.

Entering September, Brown currently ranks 16th in average salary ($11.5 million) among left tackles and his 2020 salary only reaches a max cap hit of $13.29 million. It’s far below the elite tier at his position and Brown proved at 35 he is still one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL.

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The Seahawks might also be feeling added pressure in this situation. Wilson backed Brown’s contract push and the face of the franchise is encouraging the front office to get a deal finalized.

Brown might want to avoid using the Pro Bowl as an incentive, given the NFC is crowded at the position. But he could prioritize games started after playing in all 16 games last year. If he proves himself once again, Brown should find a strong market next offseason in free agency.

If the Seahawks can’t get a deal done, they run the risk of causing a greater rift in the locker room and increasing the likelihood that Wilson demands a trade next spring.

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