Jets add offensive line depth in trade for Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from Kansas City

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The Jets made a trade before Tuesday’s deadline, acquiring veteran offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from Kansas City for tight end Dan Brown.

Duvernay-Tardif, 30, gives the Jets depth on the line. He started at right guard on Kansas City’s Super Bowl winning team two years ago.

"It’s an opportunity to add a Super Bowl champion to the room," general manager Joe Douglas said. "You guys know how I feel about the off and defensive line. LDT brings that championship pedigree, high character person, very smart guy. Can’t wait to get him in here and see him compete."

Duvernay-Tardif hasn’t appeared in an NFL game since that Super Bowl. A medical doctor, Duvernay-Tardif opted out of the 2020 season to work in a long-term care facility in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He returned to Kansas City this year, but he injured his hand in camp. Trey Smith has started at right guard for Kansas City.

"When I opted out last year, I promised myself to do everything in my power to come back on the field," Duvernay-Tardif wrote in a post on social media. "Joining the Jets gives me the best opportunity to play.

"I believe strongly in what they are building and I am very thankful to be a part of it

A sixth-round pick in 2014, Duvernay-Tardif started 57 games for Kansas City. Greg Van Roten is the Jets’ starting right guard, but he has struggled at times this season. Duvernay-Tardif could back him up or eventually replace Van Roten.

Brown had no catches this season in 13 offensive snaps. He’s spent most of his time playing on special teams.