Houston Texans Offensive Tackle Duane Brown Ends Contract Holdout, May Play Against the Seahawks on Sunday
Houston Texans offensive tackle Duane Brown has finally ended his contract lengthy holdout and reported for work.
"I'm just ready to get back on the field with my brothers," Brown told reporters on Monday, via ESPN. "It's my 10th year doing this, so I'm very familiar with what I need to do in order to be out there and be productive and be efficient. I'm in shape. So it's just getting caught up to speed on the plays and terminology and I'll be good," he continued.
Brown refused to talk about why he held out for so long, but previous reports have indicated that he wanted to renegotiate his contract so he can have more guaranteed money. He is slated to earn $19.15 million in the two remaining years of his contract, but none of the money is guaranteed.
The three-time Pro Bowler missed the Texans' organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory mini-camp in the spring, and he didn't report to training camp in July. The Texans probably didn't think the holdout will extend into the regular season, but Brown has already missed the first seven weeks of the season and forfeited six $552,921 game checks. It was the longest holdout in Texans franchise history.
Brown's contract situation remains unresolved, but he's going to focus on football for now and he may even suit up for the Texans when they take on the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday.
"Yeah, I'm optimistic. It doesn't take long. Just going out there and getting some work in with the pads on. That will be good for me," Brown said before practice on Wednesday, via the Houston Chronicle.
Well, Brown appears to be in good shape so that's quite possible.
Brown's return will give the Texans offensive line a much-needed boost. However, some pundits have speculated that he may be dealt before the trade deadline./
