Left tackle Brown is ‘excited to be back’
Three-time Pro Bowler ends long holdout, but contract situation remains unresolved
Standing in front of his locker Monday morning after ending the lengthiest holdout in Texans franchise history, left tackle Duane Brown emphasized that he’s focused on his job and not his unresolved contract situation.
Unhappy with a contract that was set to pay him $9.65 million this season and docked $3.3 million in lost salary through forfeiting six game checks, Brown didn’t receive any adjustments to his current deal and is due $6.1 million for the remainder of the season.
The three-time Pro Bowl blocker is under contract through the 2018 season, when he’s scheduled to make a $9.75 million nonguaranteed base salary. Brown, 32, was reinstated from the reserve-did not report list Monday and the Texans were granted a two-week roster exemption.
“I’m just here working, man,” Brown said. “I’m leaving everything else up to the front office and my agent. … It’s always hard to be away from your craft, but
I’m excited to be back. I’m very happy, man. I missed these guys a lot. It’s good to be back here. Ready to get back to work.”
Brown had a similar response when asked about the possibility of being traded by the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline. The former firstround draft pick emphasized that he wants to remain with the Texans. The Texans don’t intend to trade Brown, their best offensive lineman.
“I’m not thinking about that,” said Brown, who’s been linked to the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday’s opponent, in several trade rumors. “I’m just here to play. Everything else is up to the organization and my agent (Houston-based Kennard McGuire). I’m here. This is where I want to be. I love the city of Houston. I love the fans. I love my teammates.”
Brown emphasized that he’s physically ready to play. Brown has maintained his usual workout regimen and looks like he’s in his usual shape.
“Very ready,” Brown said. “It’s my 10th year doing it, 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 just getting caught up to speed on the plays and the terminology and I’ll be good. I’ll be ready.”
‘He’s in good shape’
Although Brown didn’t practice Monday, he worked out on an adjacent field on the side. He can be activated anytime between now and Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday. With Chris Clark not practicing because of a strained calf that could keep him out Sunday, the Texans are expected to plug Brown into the lineup quickly.
“Glad to have him back,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s in good shape and we’ll just keep working with him and see where it goes from here. Ten-year veteran, tough, athletic, it’s good when you can add to what you already have and it’s good to have him back.”
Brown missed the first six games of the season. He was fined over $1.5 million for missing training camp, $80,000 for skipping a mandatory minicamp and triggered a de-escalator clause in his contract that reduced his base salary by $250,000 to $9.4 million.
This has been an extremely expensive undertaking for Brown as he’s lost a total of $5.14 million in fines and game checks.
“Not worried about that,” Brown said. “I’m just here ready to work, get back on the field with my brothers.”
Brown ranked 11th in cash compensation among left tackles for this year before the fines and lost game checks and will be 12th next year.
Brown declined to get into specifics when asked why he didn’t report for training camp.
“I’m not focusing on that,” he said. “Just going to focus on the future and being here and getting back to work.”
Before the start of the regular season, Brown insisted during a charity event he organized for Hurricane Harvey relief that he would play this year.
“I knew I would play this year,” Brown said Monday.
Brown was constantly smiling inside the Texans’ locker room. He’ll be the starting left tackle once he’s determined ready to play. He allowed just one sack last season.
“We’re definitely more than excited to have him back,” Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph said. “He’s a big part of this football team and obviously it’s a good feeling.”
Excited about offense
Brown has been training in Los Angeles and watching the Texans’ games from afar. He’s excited about a high-scoring offense that’s been rejuvenated by rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, who’s tied with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith for the league lead with 15 touchdown passes.
“It’s incredible, doing some great things,” Brown said. “The line is playing great, great running game. Deshaun is a special talent.
“Coach O’Brien’s done a great job of catering to his skill set and he’s been able to do a lot. It’s been great to watch and I’m excited to be a part of it.”