The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line underwent some massive changes this offseason. Kansas City signed left tackle Jaylon Moore and then drafted Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons. In addition, the Chiefs moved on from All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, leaving Kingsley Suamataia and Mike Caliendo to fight for the spot.
Though both positions look to be a battle entering training camp, Kansas City’s offensive line is seemingly still in a better position this year than it was last year. That said, one former Chiefs offensive lineman was signed with an AFC bottom-feeder on Monday night after two seasons away from the NFL.
According to Mark Daniels of MASSLive, the New England Patriots are signing former Chiefs offensive tackle Yasir Durant to a one-year deal.
Former Chiefs Offensive Tackle Yasir Durant Signs with the New England Patriots
Chiefs Kingdom likely doesn’t remember Durant’s tenure with the franchise, as it wasn’t very notable. Kansas City signed the former University of Missouri offensive lineman as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Although the team’s offensive line was filled with veterans that season, Durant still earned a 53-man roster spot as a backup.
Even so, the then 22-year-old did appear in four games at right guard and right tackle as a rookie. The Chiefs’ Week 17 game that season was when Durant saw his most action. In that game, he was on the field for 53 offensive snaps and didn’t allow any sacks, quarterback hits, quarterback hurries, or quarterback pressures, according to PFF.
However, he still recorded below-average grades in pass blocking 44.0 and run blocking 55.3. His poor performance led to the Chiefs trading him to the Patriots the following offseason. Unfortunately, he was unable to make the Patriots’ 53-man roster and bounced around a few more NFL teams before landing in the United Football League (UFL) in 2024.
Durant signed a one-year contract with the DC Defenders on March 14, 2024, and then re-signed with them on October 18, 2024. This past season, he won the UFL Championship with the Defenders and was named to the All-UFL team.
Nevertheless, Kansas City looks to protect Patrick Mahomes more effectively in 2025 with their improved offensive line. Still, if Durant makes the Patriots’ 53-man roster, it would be quite a career turnaround for him.
