[brid autoplay=”true” video=”783845″ player=”23231″ title=”Ten%20mustsee%20NFL%20games%20in%202021″ duration=”172″ description=”For football nerds, it’s become the biggest post-draft event of the spring. Sure, the matchups are predetermined, but there’s nothing like schedule release day.The NFL released the 2021 schedule on Wednesday as it enters its first-ever 17-game season. It’s never too early to start circling dates on your calendar for this fall, so here are 10 games you won’t want to miss.” uploaddate=”2021-05-17″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/783845_t_1621259414.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/783845.mp4″]
The Kansas City Chiefs overhauled their offensive line after seeing Patrick Mahomes get relentlessly hit and pressured in Super Bowl LV. After investing so heavily in pass protection, Kansas City could now trade one of its most recognized linemen.
In the span of a few months, the Chiefs devoted significant draft capital and money towards its offensive line. The team signed Pro Bowl guard Joe Thuney to an $80 million contract, traded a first-round pick for offensive tackle Orlando Brown, spent a second-round pick on center Creed Humphrey and snagged guard Trey Smith in the sixth round.
In addition, the Chiefs are also welcoming back two players who didn’t play in 2020. Lucas Niang, Kansas City’s third-round pick in 2020, returns after opting out of his rookie season. Meanwhile, guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is back after dedicating last year to helping hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, there is significantly more depth at every position.
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According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Chiefs are receiving calls on multiple offensive linemen. Among them, Duvernay-Tardif has come up in discussions. Of note, the veteran does have a no-trade clause.
Duvernay-Tardif had a shot to start at right guard this season and then broke a bone in his hand. Expected to miss four to six weeks, his absence opened the door for Smith to secure the spot on the offensive line.
Duvernay-Tardif started 14 games for the Chiefs during the 2019 season and has made 57 starts dating back to the 2015 season. Entering his age-30 season, he is likely viewed as expendable depth for a team who might benefit from adding more talent on the defensive side.
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If Duvernay-Tardif is willing to accept a trade, seeing an opportunity to start elsewhere, there would be interest. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 20 total pressures in 592 pass-block snaps in 2019. While he isn’t strong as a run blocker, teams with young quarterbacks would likely covet someone who can keep the face of their franchise protected.