Jets left tackle Duane Brown plans to return for the 2023 season, per his agent, Kennard McGuire, in a report from ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
2023 will be Brown’s second with the Jets and his 17th overall. Brown started 12 games in 2022, holding down the left tackle position while dealing with shoulder issues throughout the season. There was talk of a possible retirement for Brown, but those talks can be put to rest.
The Jets have made it clear they were ready to have Brown back for 2023 and will be excited to have Brown likely anchor the left side again next season. Saleh was asked about Brown last week during a Zoom press conference.
“Yeah, I saw Duane in the weight room a couple days ago, three or four days ago anyway, but he just finished up his surgery on his left shoulder,” Saleh said. “Yeah, Duane is a freaking rock star, man. The way he fought through pain and injury, and he did what I’d say about 90% of players probably wouldn’t have done, in terms of playing when he didn’t have to. All his money was already guaranteed, and the guy still strapped up and played 16 or however many games for us, took it all the way to Week 17. So, a lot of respect for him, love his grind, love his grit, love what he stands for, and if he’s here, it’d be awesome.”
Brown is due a $9 million base salary and will carry a cap charge of almost $11.3 million. With Brown in tow, the Jets will have to figure out the other offensive tackle position, whether that will be Mekhi Becton, Max Mitchell or possibly a rookie.
