The Texans have officially announced left tackle Duane Brown’s contract extension.
“We are thrilled to have solidified our offensive line with this extension for Duane,” said Texans Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Rick Smith in a statement from the team. “We believe Duane is an outstanding young left tackle who has the determination, commitment and ability to develop into one of the NFL’s top performers. It’s also an exciting day for our organization. We’ve laid the foundation for sustained success and this is an important step in building on that and toward a championship.”
The team did not announce any terms of the deal, but John McClain of the Houston Chronicle reports that it is for six years and $53.4 million. That’s an average of just under $9 million per season, which is a pretty good price for a left tackle turning 27 this month and coming off a season that saw him named a second-team All-Pro. Per McClain, the extension kicks in after this season -- Brown will make $2.08 million this year -- and guarantees the tackle upward of $22 million.
Linebacker Connor Barwin is also reportedly on the team’s radar for an extension. If he gets one, the Texans would then likely turn their attention toward figuring out how to move forward with quarterback Matt Schaub as he approaches free agency after the 2012 season.