RENTON, Wash. (AP) - Seattle Seahawks center Justin Britt signed a multiyear contract extension Thursday that will keep the anchor of the offensive line in place beyond the 2017 season.
Coach Pete Carroll said early Thursday that the sides were “really close” to finalizing a deal for Britt and the team announced later in the day that the deal was finished. It’s believed to be a three-year deal and takes away any concern that Britt would leave after this season when his rookie contract expires.
“He has been a fantastic leader for us up there,” Carroll said. “He had an excellent season and played three spots and started at tackle, guard and center now. We really think he is in the best spot for him. I think it’s a recognition and acknowledgement of the player and teammate he has become for us.”
Britt has helped stabilize Seattle’s often changing line. He started his career at right tackle, moved to left guard and last year settled at center, where he flourished. Britt started 15 regular-season games and was the one constant in an otherwise troublesome season for Seattle’s line.
Britt was a second-round pick in 2014 out of Missouri. He is one of the few offensive linemen that Seattle has rewarded with a contract extension in the past decade.
NOTES: Carroll said RB Thomas Rawls (ankle) will not play in Friday’s exhibition game against Minnesota. Eddie Lacy will get the start. … Carroll said barring injury, the left side of the offensive line is settled with George Fant at left tackle and Luke Joeckel at left guard. The right side still has competition at both tackle and guard. … LB K.J. Wright is expected to rejoin the Seahawks on Monday after undergoing a “process” on a sore knee that caused him to be away from the team this week. Carroll expects Wright to play in the third preseason game against Kansas City.
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