The New York Jets are receiving some offensive line help with the announcement of Duane Brown’s return
Cross one offensive line spot off the New York Jets‘ offseason shopping list.
Duane Brown has expressed his intention to return to the league for his 17th NFL season, according to his agent, Kennard McGuire. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
Brown suffered a torn rotator cuff during practice shortly before Week 1 of the 2022 season. He spent four weeks on injured reserve and could have had season-ending surgery then but chose to return and battle through the pain. This earned him major kudos from Robert Saleh. However, Brown’s blocking was clearly compromised by his injury, particularly in the run game.
There was much speculation that the 37-year-old Brown could retire this offseason. He said he would take some time to make a decision. There was also the possibility that the Jets would designate him as a post-June 1 cut to save cap space.
However, Saleh stopped the latter speculation when he said in a press conference that the Jets definitely want Brown back.
It appears that they will get their wish. This at least gives the Jets another tackle option with the team short on surefire answers at the position. Mekhi Becton has missed virtually two years of game action, while Max Mitchell is coming off a blood clot issue that ended his season. George Fant is a free agent and is not expected to be back.
With Brown’s return, it appears more likely that the Jets will now pursue only one tackle in free agency and the draft rather than two. This gives them the flexibility to attend to other team needs.
One card has fallen for the Jets, but the most important one remains up in the air.
The plan for the line seems to be taking shape. Tomlinson and AVT at guards, Becton and Mitchell at RT. Brown along with one other. Maybe Fant?
What is left is a center, a backup guard/center and someone to compete with or back-up Brown. Fant, a draft pick or both Fant and a draft pick. I am optmistic that OTs will be healthier this year, that Tomlinson will have a bounce back year with a better pass blocking center next to him and that the OL play improves by having a QB that can get the ball out decisively on time. I have to believe that JD signs a relatively cheap FA center even if he drafts a center.