Duane Brown is joining the fold with the New York Jets
The living wall in front of Zach Wilson just received some verified fortification.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the New York Jets have inked tackle Duane Brown to a two-year, $22 million deal, one that comes shortly after the team received devastating news about 2020 first-round pick Mekhi Becton.
Comp update: Jets are giving Duane Brown a two-year, $22 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 11, 2022
Brown, who turns 36 at the end of the month, is the latest veteran acquisition that general manager Joe Douglas has made in the name of protecting his franchise quarterback. The endeavor has had mixed results thus far but, according to reports, Brown had other options that fell behind what the Jets are building.
Duane Brown had options outside of the #Jets — contending teams. He picked New York knowing playoffs might be long shot. Says a lot about culture Robert Saleh is building. Brown wanted to come to New York.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 11, 2022
The Houston Texans’ first-round pick from 2008 has the accolades that prove his NFL worth, notably five Pro Bowl appearances that include an invite to last year’s edition. He also has two All-Pro team appearances to his name, notably earning such an honor after guiding the Seahawks’ rushing attack to league-best numbers.
Upon his New York arrival, Brown will rejoin fellow former Pacific Northwest blocker George Fant, with whom he collaborated for three seasons (2017-19). Fant previously rose to the occasion in Becton’s medical absence last season.
While Brown’s 2021 analytical numbers over at Pro Football Focus were the lowest since his rookie season, he remained one of the league’s most consistent veteran blockers, grading out at around the level of a league-average starter.
One concern around Brown could be his fate concerning a July arrest at LAX, as he faces charges concerning the possession of a concealed firearm. His agent Kennard McGuire told TMZ that the incident was “clearly an accident” and that Brown was committed to further educating himself about gun safety.
Though Brown more than likely won’t partake, the Jets will open their 2022 preseason slate against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET, WCBS).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
