Russell Wilson believes the Seattle Seahawks are a "great place" for Antonio Brown to grow as the star quarterback approved the team's interest in the free agent.
The Seahawks have been linked with All-Pro wide receiver Brown, who was released by the New England Patriots in September last year amid sexual assault allegations he has denied.
Brown – a seven-time Pro Bowler – has been banned for eight games due to "multiple violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy".
Wilson was asked about Brown and he told reporters on Thursday: "Most of the conversations I've had with most his former team-mates and stuff like that said that he worked hard every day.
"He came ready and I think he had a bad year or two there that didn't go the way you want it to.
"I think that with our culture and how our culture is, with coach [Pete] Carroll, with the teammates that we have, the men that we have and the growth, I think, if he does play football, I think this is a great place. If he does play again, I think this is a place that he'll grow a lot as a man as well."
"I think Antonio definitely has taken those steps [in the right direction] and like I said, nobody's perfect," Wilson said. "From the conversations I've had with him, he's really been remorseful and just he's been humbled along the way. Like I said, I pray that he can continue to grow, just like anybody."
Having entered the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010, Brown has amassed 11,263 receiving yards and caught 75 touchdowns in his career.
Brown only made one appearance for the Patriots, having been previously released by the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 56 yards and a touchdown.
Wilson, whose Seahawks are first in the NFC West with a perfect 5-0 record, added: "I think the reality about Antonio is he is one of the best players to play this game obviously.
"I think that he has always been a special player in terms of [on] the field. The reality with Antonio is, he's had some tough moments in his life, especially as of late. I think he's gone through a lot of things he wishes he could take back and do, and just not say, whatever it might be.
"But I think he is a special player, for sure. I don't know what's going to happen with him or not. I don't know how serious it is us getting him or not. But I do know that obviously he can play some football. I think that's the thing.
"I've developed a personal relationship with him, and not everybody is perfect. And I think that's the reality, none of us are. So hopefully he gets to play football again."
"I think we've been great all year," Wilson continued. "I think you're always trying to look to see how can we get better, how can we get better in every way."