Jets Left Guard Duane Brown Plans to Return For a 17th NFL Season in 2023

Jets Left Guard Duane Brown Plans to Return For a 17th NFL Season in 2023

Kennard McGuire, the agent for Jets left tackle Duane Brown, reports that the player plans to return for another 17th NFL season. Brown's return would be a huge boost for the Jets' offensive line which was plagued by injury last year at both tackle positions.

At present, the Jets have three experienced tackles under contract in Mekhi Becton, Max Mitchell and Brown. However, management must decide if they want to add a fourth tackle through free agency or the draft.

Kennard McGuire

After missing four games with a shoulder injury this past season, five-time Pro Bowl selection Brown announced his intentions to return for his 17th NFL season in 2023. According to Kennard McGuire's agent, the 37-year-old will take another shot at playing football for the Jets in 2023.

The veteran left tackle has started 215 NFL games during his career, which includes 10 years with the Houston Texans (2008-17) and five years with the Seattle Seahawks (2017-21). Last August he signed a two-year deal to replace Mekhi Becton who suffered a season-ending injury.

At his Combine Week media availability, head coach Robert Saleh praised five-time Pro Bowler Antonio Brown's resilience throughout the season. Additionally, Saleh noted that Brown had recently been seen working out in the Jets' weight room - an indication that Brown is eager to return to action as soon as possible.

McGuire is a certified agent in the NFL and represents around 30 players, such as Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and Bears Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett. He was once part of Chicago Bears staff and remains close to the organization today.

Though they lack a surefire offensive tackle solution, the Jets remain optimistic about Brown's return. To replace Zach Wilson who struggled last year, the team is seeking a starting quarterback who can replace his experience and success.

Max Mitchell and George Fant, the other starters on the team, are both free agents. With Becton expected to miss several more games due to a shoulder injury, it would be an immense relief if Brown were back for another season.

According to Spotrac, Brown is due a non-guaranteed $9 million in base salary for 2023. While that salary cap hit could be avoided if the Jets cut him, they would also incur an additional $6.3 million dead money penalty.

Five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, Brown has the credentials to be an invaluable asset to any team. His remarkable resilience and will to work through pain earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini

Kennard McGuire, the agent for New York Jets left tackle Antonio Brown, has confirmed that he will return for a 17th NFL season in 2023. Last season, Brown started 12 games despite suffering a torn rotator cuff; now entering the second year of a $20 million deal signed to replace Mekhi Becton.

The five-time All-Pro and former five-time Pro Bowler has been in the league since 2008 and has appeared in 215 games throughout his career. Before joining the Jets this offseason, he spent five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and 10 years with the Houston Texans.

He earned huge respect in both the locker room and on the field this season after returning from injured reserve with a torn labrum in his shoulder. Despite not missing a game, he played through intense pain, impressing both teammates and coach Robert Saleh with his toughness.

His blocking was severely hindered by the injury, yet Brown still managed to post a 57.8 PFF blocking grade - his highest since his rookie season. His experience, toughness and pedigree make him invaluable to an offensive line that has been plagued by injuries for much of this season.

Over the course of the season, there was much speculation that Brown would retire this offseason. However, he told ESPN's Rich Cimini that he needed time to decide his future plans.

Rumors swirled that the Jets might designate Brown as a post-June 1 cut to free up cap space. But coach Robert Saleh confirmed to ESPN that he saw Brown working out recently in their weight room and believes they want him back with them.

If Brown returns, he is likely to start at right tackle for the Jets. Mekhi Becton and Max Mitchell currently occupy those spots; Alijah Vera-Tucker is also competing for playing time.

Although there are some concerns about the Jets offensive line, knowing that Brown will play next season is a huge relief to general manager Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh. With three tackles already, and room to add another in the 2023 draft if they select one, this group could potentially add another veteran presence on defense.

Spotrac

ESPN's Rich Cimini reports that Brown plans to return for a 17th NFL season. Last season, despite a torn rotator cuff, he started in 12 games and will enter his second year of a $20 million deal he signed last August in order to replace Mekhi Becton.

The Jets had hoped that Brown would remain under contract through 2023, but it's uncertain whether that will happen. Their top priority is extending receiver Davante Adams and it appears the Seahawks are delaying talks with Brown until his contract with Seattle expires.

Brown has expressed an interest in returning to the team, and both Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas seem to be on board as well. They praised Brown's toughness last season, with Saleh noting that he saw Brown working out in the weight room at their facility earlier this week.

In addition to Brown, the Jets are searching for a backup offensive tackle. While there are several candidates available, making a decision at this early stage in the offseason may prove challenging.

Former Jets starter George Fant is one of the top candidates for this position, having experience playing both left and right tackle. Although a hardy veteran, Fant lacks versatility in terms of his run game production; thus, his potential depth may not be sufficient.

Another option is veteran Josh Whitehead, who has plenty of potential but had an uneventful season in 2022. Although still athletic and capable at times, his performance fell short of expectations and the Jets likely won't give him a major contract.

John Franklin-Myers has been a reliable player at the edge, but may not possess the potential that some teams seek in a starter. His high cap hit makes it unlikely the Jets will cut him after June 1 since their signing bonus was minimal.

With the Jets' cap being tight in 2023, it may be beneficial for them to release Brown and Franklin-Myers and save some money. They already have a solid group of EDGE players coming up, so Lawson's dead money hit won't be as large as that for Franklin-Myers.

NFL.com

According to his agent, Kennard McGuire, Jets wide receiver Duane Brown plans on returning for a 17th NFL season. ESPN's Rich Cimini reported the news on Sunday citing McGuire.

Five-time Pro Bowl selection, Brown spent last season with the Jets after signing a two-year, $20 million contract in free agency. He started 12 games despite missing four due to an injury suffered during training camp.

Given the Jets' history of injuries and health concerns on their offensive line, this news comes as a much needed relief. At 37 years, Brown has spent his entire career playing left tackle, starting 215 consecutive games with New York.

With Becton, Mitchell and Fant all out this year, the Jets have been without a reliable starter at tackle. This has prompted Douglas and Saleh to consider adding either through the draft or free agency but this remains one of their most difficult positions to fill.

Last week, Douglas and Saleh spoke highly of the 17-year veteran, complimenting him on his toughness as a player and willingness to play through injuries. They also mentioned seeing Brown back in the weight room a few weeks prior, which could be an indication that he plans on returning for 2023.

Douglas and Saleh can draw upon his experience and toughness to determine what they need at the tackle position this year. With 215 starts under his belt, Douglas is a surefire Pro Bowler.

Douglas and Saleh appear likely to return for the start of training camp, which begins March 2. His potential departure would result in a substantial salary cap hit, giving them some leeway as they consider their options at the position.

This offseason, the Jets must make some critical decisions as they prepare for the 2023 season. With the possibility of a veteran quarterback, they must determine who will protect their signal caller.