Duane Brown chose the NY Jets over other playoff contenders

The NY Jets have officially agreed to terms on a two-year, $22 million contract with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Duane Brown. After nearly a week of negotiations, the two sides were finally able to strike a deal.

Brown's addition is a necessary one following the likely season-ending injury suffered by offensive tackle Mekhi Becton earlier in the week. The Jets weren't just negotiating against themselves, however.

Brown had his fair share of suitors and remained in contact with other teams up until the moment he signed on the dotted line with the Jets. And some of those suitors were legitimate playoff contenders.

SNY's Connor Hughes reported shortly after his signing that "Brown had options outside the Jets — contending teams." Hughes went on to say that Brown was well aware that the playoffs were a longshot with the Jets, but that he was impressed with the culture that head coach Robert Saleh has built.

Duane Brown was impressed by the NY Jets culture

The Jets weren't the most talented team that offered Brown, but they were still able to land him regardless. And remember, this is a player who's set to turn 37 years old later this month. At that age, money is rarely the predominant factor.

In the past, it might not have mattered how much the Jets offered Brown, it's hard to convince an aging player, playing out the final years of his career, to come to a losing team. The Jets seemingly don't have that problem anymore.

The same was true when the Jets signed Kwon Alexander late last month. Alexander had offers from the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, but chose to sign with the Jets instead on a deal very close to the veteran minimum salary.

The former Pro Bowl linebacker has a cap hit of just over $1 million in 2022 and it's hard to imagine the Saints offered him anything less than that. Yet, Alexander still chose the Jets, as did Duane Brown.

That's a testament to the culture change that has occurred within the walls of Florham Park. It's a testament to the environment that Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh have curated. It's a testament to the evolution of the Jets franchise.

Duane Brown could have played out the final years of his career with a more established Super Bowl contender. Instead, he chose the Jets. That has to be a warm feeling for Gang Green faithful.