RENTON -- The Seahawks and new left tackle Duane Brown were equally thrilled a trade had come together to bring the former All-Pro to the Pacific Northwest.
"To bring in a guy with the kind of background and experience that Duane has to add to one of the youngest groups in the NFL, it could fit together perfectly and we are really counting on something really good happening out of that," head coach Pete Carroll said.
Brown hit the practice field for the first time with the team since a deal was struck with the Houston Texans on Monday. And while the deal required some reworking to be officially completed after Jeremy Lane failed his physical in Houston, Brown still was able to take the field with his new teammates on Wednesday afternoon.
"It’s been a bit of a whirlwind," Brown said. "Just a lot of excitement for me being able to come out here and play for this fantastic organization, with great players and great staff. It’s been awesome; just getting acclimated to everything, learning my way around the facilities, and learning the playbook a little bit. It’s been great."
The platitudes for Brown weren't hard to come by in Seattle's locker room. The Seahawks had to face Brown just days three days ago and know what type of player he can be.
"He's a Pro Bowl left tackle," defensive end Marcus Smith said. "You've got to protect Russell's blindside. Going against him last week, it was a tough task. It's kind of good to see him be able to come in here and be able to play for us now because we was playing against him last week. I think it's a great pickup for us."
One thing in particular stood out about Brown in his showing against the Seahawks last week. On multiple occasions, Brown was able to block defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson despite being at an alignment disadvantage at the snap of the ball. Richardson was lined up over Brown's inside shoulder with Houston calling zone runs away from Brown. Nevertheless, Brown managed to cross in front of Richardson and wall him off from the running back.
"It's a hard block," Cable said. "I think that this guy has been at a high level for a long time. I think what you're talking about is an example. That's not an easy block for anybody in this league. The opportunity and the ability to do that showed up. It kind of got me excited watching the tape so you kind of hit there what fired me up."
Richardson said the ability for an offensive lineman to make that sort of play is a rare occurrence.
"It's not routine at all. It's not routine at all. It's something very few can do in this league, especially to me. The two times he got me it was surprising to me," Richardson said.
Richardson said Brown is one of the top five tackles he's played against along with Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles, Trent Williams of the Washington Redskins and Tyron Smith of the Dallas Cowboys.
"Good feet. Strong strong, strong left tackle. Knows football. Can create on his own if he needs to in open space, can get to the next level and linebackers with ease if need be. But other than that, still he can pass block," Richardson said.
Brown was excited for the fresh start after spending nine full seasons with the Texans. His time in Houston had become strained after a holdout was unable to produce the new contract he desired from the franchise. Also, comments made by owner Bob McNair in a league meeting recently had created a toxic environment in the Texans' locker room.
While Brown didn't want to elaborate on the situation he left in Houston, he was more than eager to express delight over his new situation in Seattle.
"I'm very happy to be here," Brown said. "Lot of great relationships I have on this team with guys. A great organization with great tradition and I'm just looking to bring what I can bring to the table to help us win."
Brown was take over for Rees Odhiambo as Seattle's starting left tackle. The rest of the line will remain unchanged with Ethan Pocic, Justin Britt, Oday Aboushi and Germain Ifedi rounding out the rest of the starting unit.
Brown already had relationships with several members of the team, including Ifedi, Aboushi, Kam Chancellor and Bobby Wagner. He was even able to entice Ifedi to part with his No. 76. Ifedi is now wearing No. 65 for the Seahawks.
"He’s like a little brother to me in some sort, and it wasn’t that easy, but I got him to give it up," Brown said.
Brown played in an offensive system that Cable called "almost identical" to Seattle's during his first six seasons in Houston. While some terminology is different and Brown hasn't played in that offense for the last few seasons, he's been able to get a running start into learning the new playbook.
"I was in that system for my first six years in Houston so I'm very familiar with it," Brown said. "Just all about learning the terminology, starting to gel with the guys I'm playing beside and get a feel for how they play. So it's a lot of recall I have from that system, which helps me out a lot."
General manager John Schneider said Monday that he hoped Brown would finish his career in Seattle. Brown hoped that would be the case as well.
"Absolutely," he said. "I got relationships with guys here before I got here. I told them just on the outside looking in how much I respected this place, respected the locker room. Just like a real, real brotherhood here and they have a lot of fun, win a lot of games and on the outside looking in, I loved it. So to be here and be a part of it now, there's no doubt in my mind I wouldn't want to be here the rest of my career.
"It’s worked out pretty good for me, I have to say. I thought I did some great things in my career and I thought we had some great years there in Houston, but to come here and immediately be a part of a contender and a chance to win, it’s worked out amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything better."
With Lane returning to the Seahawks, the team waived tackle Isaiah Battle to create the necessary roster spot for the addition of Brown.
Photo Credit: RENTON, Wash. - NOVEMBER 1: Duane Brown of the Seattle Seahawks addresses reporters after being traded to Seattle by the Houston Texans. (Photo by Curtis Crabtree/Sports Radio 950 KJR)