The Seahawks are keeping the nerve center of their offensive line happy.
Center Justin Britt signed a three-year extension Thursday with the Seahawks, the team announced. The pact is worth $27 million, with Britt earning $13.25 in the first year of the new deal, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. It also includes $15 million in guarantees, Rapoport reported.
"He has been a fantastic leader for us up there," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said in a statement. "He had an excellent season. He has played three spots for us and started at tackle, guard and center now, and we think he's really in the best spot for him. It's just recognition and acknowledgement of the player and the teammate that he has become for us."
A 2014 second-round pick out of Missouri, Britt started 16 games as a rookie at right tackle before bumping down to guard and then center, where he started 15 games a season ago. Offensive line coach Tom Cable gave reporters a window into why Britt was so valuable during an interview two weeks ago.
"His improvement is very noticeable," Cable said. "His command [of the position]. His leadership has really showed up. Playing the position with the fundamentals, he's a whole year better. After doing it for a year, [he] understands what you're talking about from the get go. He's able to really make a difference."
Britt was a pet project of sorts for Cable, doing everything the offensive line needed over his first three seasons in the league. On the open market, that type skill and versatility can be quite valuable. Seattle made sure he doesn't see outside bidders for quite some time.
