As the trading window came to a close, the New York Jets managed to sneak in one last transfer while they still could, trading Daniel Brown - their backup tight end - for offensive right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from the Kansas City Chiefs. Dropping their backup tight end for a strong offensive right guard could change the game.
Even though Duvernay-Tardif hasn't featured in a game since 2019, popular and professional opinion is that this is the line-up change the Jets needed. Just take a look at the popular betting platforms such as Bet-Or to see how this transfer has changed the odds on the Jets' upcoming games.
First Game Appearance in 2 Years
Duvernay-Tardif's last appearance in a professional game was back in the Super Bowl LIV after the 2019 season where he helped to carry the Chiefs to victory.
His lack of games since then has been nothing to do with his talent, but rather because - with a degree in medical science - he decided to work full time at his local long-term care facility in Montreal, Quebec during the pandemic.
Duvernay-Tardif did return for the preseason training this summer, but injured his hand and was unable to join the team for most of the season. Now fully recovered, he was on the starting bill on Monday’s game against the New York Giants, but he was not called into play.
Despite this, his history is more than enough for the Jets' general manager Joe Douglas, who stated in an interview "it's an opportunity to add a Super Bowl champion to the room... Laurent Duvernay-Tardif brings that champion pedigree. Obviously, he's a very smart guy. I can't wait to get him in here and see him compete."
Other Speculative Changes
For weeks now, many people have been wondering whether or not Douglas will be trading safety Marcus Maye or wide receiver Jamison Crowder as both their contracts are due to expire at the end of the season.
Last season, Douglas claimed that it was in their best interests to keep Maye on their line-up, even giving him the franchise tag to keep him loyal. It looks like this mentality still holds true now, with the team even supporting Maye over his recent arrest over DUI charges.
A Strong Line-Up
For a long time now, the main element missing from the Jets' line-up has been a stronger offensive side. Looking at the current line-up - omitting Duvernay-Tardif - Douglas likes to put big, heavy powerhouses up front to ease the pressure off of quarterback Zach Wilson.
Adding Duvernay-Tardif into this line-up helps to bolster the powerful offensive team and ensure Wilson can get a clear field for a goal.
Despite his age - he turns 31 soon - and lack of recent games, his size and power are still useful for the Jets and exactly what Douglas is looking for to improve his attacking side.
Douglas has not announced when Duvernay-Tardif's first game with the Jets will be, but with 10 games left until the end of the season, he does not have much time left if he wants to see the team in the Super Bowl.