Chiefs’ Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Out 4-6 Weeks
The Chiefs are the latest team to suffer a significant injury in training camp. Guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif broke a bone in his hand during practice and is out 4-6 weeks, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).
The good news, as Rapsheet notes, is that the injury won’t require surgery, “which means the opener is a very real possibility.” This injury also might’ve been a bigger deal had Kansas City not dramatically upgraded their offensive line this offseason. After watching Patrick Mahomes run for his life in the Super Bowl against the Bucs’ ferocious pass-rush, the team made it a priority to overhaul his O-line.
They traded for tackle Orlando Brown Jr., drafted center Creed Humphrey in the second-round, and signed veteran guards Austin Blythe and Kyle Long. LDT, of course, is perhaps most notable for being a doctor when he’s not battling it out in the NFL trenches, and he opted out of the 2020 season to help fight COVID-19.
Although he was a full-time starter for the Chiefs from 2015-19, Duvernay-Tardif wasn’t guaranteed his old job back even if he was fully healthy. We heard last month that he was battling it out with sixth-round rookie Trey Smith for a starting spot. This injury would seem to give Smith a pretty big leg up in that competition, so it’s highly possible Duvernay-Tardif starts the season as depth.
AFC Rumors: Chiefs, Sutton, Harry, Jaguars
Following Super Bowl LV’s blocking debacle, the Chiefs moved aggressively to bolster their offensive line. In addition to trading for Orlando Brown Jr. to play left tackle, Kansas City signed Joe Thuney to play left guard, added Kyle Long out of retirement and drafted Trey Smith in the sixth round. Longtime Chiefs right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is also back after his opt-out season, and the team placed an original-round RFA tender on Andrew Wylie and re-signed veteran Mike Remmers.
Though Wylie finished the season as an overmatched right tackle against Shaquil Barrett, he has started 35 games for the Chiefs over the past three years. But the Chiefs’ new guard glut now has the former UDFA on the roster bubble, according to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. Wylie’s best hope is a backup gig, with Teicher adding that it is Smith who is battling Duvernay-Tardif for the Chiefs’ starting right guard job. A blood clot issue hampered Smith at Tennessee, but he bounced back to earn first-team All-SEC acclaim at guard in 2019 and ’20. Smith’s past medical issue damaged his draft stock, but the Chiefs appear to be considering starting two rookies — Smith and second-round center Creed Humphrey — this season.
Here is the latest from around the AFC:
- An in-season extension for Courtland Sutton could be on the Broncos‘ radar. The former second-round pick is going into a contract year but coming off an ACL tear. Sutton’s performance level in September and October may determine how the Broncos address his future, with the Denver Post’s Ryan O’Halloran writing that a start in which Sutton moves past his injury issue could move the team to extend him. New GM George Paton identified Sutton as a core player the team wants to keep around long-term. The Broncos did in-season extensions for Chris Harris, Derek Wolfe, Darian Stewart and Garett Bolles (in 2020) during John Elway‘s regime, but it remains to be seen how Paton’s negotiating timetable will look.
- Former first-round pick Taven Bryan has dropped onto the Jaguars‘ roster bubble, according to ESPN.com’s Michael DiRocco, who adds that the ex-Florida Gators defensive tackle’s struggles with the mental aspects of the NFL game have made him a cut candidate. The Jags benched Bryan for UDFA Doug Costin last year and signed Malcom Brown this offseason. Bryan will be used at defensive end at times in Jacksonville’s new 3-4 defense, DiRocco adds. The Jags did not pick up his fifth-year option in May.
- N’Keal Harry surfaced in trade rumors this offseason, and the Patriots may be ready to cut the cord. The 2019 first-round pick is behind additions Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne on New England’s depth chart, with ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss adding that Jakobi Meyers is playing ahead of Harry as well. Harry may be battling return man Gunner Olszewski and ex-UDFA Isaiah Zuber for a backup role. It would cost the Pats $4.8MM in dead money if they waived Harry, however. That may well give the inconsistent Arizona State product another chance — if the Pats do not end up trading him.
The Only NFL Players With No-Trade Clauses
It’s fairly common for disgruntled NFL players to give their teams a short list of acceptable trade destinations. However, it’s still quite rare for players to hold contractual veto power over a trade. Currently, there are only nine NFL players with a no-trade clause in their deals, as ESPN.com’s Field Yates tweets: 
▪️ Drew Brees, QB (Saints)
▪️ Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, OL (Chiefs)
▪️ Jimmy Garoppolo, QB (49ers)
▪️ Jimmy Graham, TE (Bears)
▪️ DeAndre Hopkins, WR (Cardinals)
▪️ Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs)
▪️ Deshaun Watson, QB (Texans)
▪️ J.J. Watt, DL (Cardinals)
▪️ Russell Wilson, QB (Seahawks)
The Chiefs, who represent 25% of the list, furnished LDT with a NTC as a part of his contract restructure. Historically, there haven’t been many offensive lineman to secure the clause. However, Duvernay-Tardif had a bit of leverage in 2020 when the Chiefs needed extra cap room. He was scheduled to count for nearly $9MM, $6.45MM of which was comprised of base salary. Instead, he converted some of that money into a signing bonus over the remaining three years and came away with a perk typically reserved for quarterbacks.
Watson and Wilson are among the QBs who can block trades. They’re both putting it to use, albeit in different ways. Watson wants out — even after finally meeting with new head coach David Culley – and he’s steering himself towards a small group of teams, including the Dolphins and Panthers. Wilson, meanwhile, says that he doesn’t want to get traded and doesn’t expect to get traded. But, if the Seahawks do shop him, he wouldn’t mind joining up with the Bears, Cowboys, Saints or Raiders. In beating out several other teams for Watt, the Cardinals included the clause in the star defender’s contract.
Chiefs’ LDT, Damien Williams Likely To Return
The Chiefs found their way back to the Super Bowl, despite losing guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and running back Damien Williams to COVID-19 opt-outs. However, both players are expected to return for the 2021 season, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Chiefs, Eric Bieniemy Expected To Agree To Extension]
Duvernay-Tardif, a medical school graduate, was the first NFL player to exercise his right to opt out. Since then, he’s been volunteering at a long-term care facility in Quebec. Duvernay-Tardif was set to play on his five-year, $42.36MM deal. Instead, his contract has tolled, meaning that his deal will resume in 2021 and extend through the 2022 season. The Chiefs surely wish they could have him back today, given that they’re down multiple starters on the front five.
Williams, 29 in April, was inconsistent in the 2019 regular season, but he came up big in the playoffs. Williams scored six touchdowns in the postseason and could have won the Super Bowl LIV MVP award if not for Patrick Mahomes‘ performance. In that game, “Playoff Damien” managed133 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns en route to his first ring.
2020 NFL Opt Out Tracker
Per an agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA, players with COVID-19 health concerns can opt out of the 2020 season. Initially, the deadline was believed to be Tuesday, August 4. Talks between the league and the union have pushed it to August 6.
Chiefs guard and medical school graduate Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first player to officially opt out. Scores of players followed.
Here’s the rundown, so far:
Baltimore Ravens
- OT Andre Smith (story)
- WR De’Anthony Thomas (story)
Buffalo Bills
- CB E.J. Gaines (story)
- DT Star Lotulelei (story)
Carolina Panthers
- LB Jordan Mack
- LB Christian Miller
Chicago Bears
- DT Eddie Goldman (story)
- S Jordan Lucas
Cincinnati Bengals
- T Isaiah Prince (story)
- DT Josh Tupou (story)
Cleveland Browns
- DT Andrew Billings
- T Drake Dorbeck
- G Colby Gossett
- G Drew Forbes
- G Malcolm Pridgedon
Dallas Cowboys
- CB Maurice Canady (story)
- WR Stephen Guidry
- FB Jamize Olawale
Denver Broncos
- DT Joel Heath
- DT Kyle Peko
Detroit Lions
- WR Geronimo Allison (story)
- DT John Atkins
- C Russell Bodine (story)
Green Bay Packers
- WR Devin Funchess (story)
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
- DB Rolan Milligan
- LB Skai Moore
- DB Marvell Tell
Jacksonville Jaguars
- DE Lerentee McCray
- CB Rashaan Melvin (story)
- DT Al Woods (story)
Kansas City Chiefs
- G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (story)
- T Lucas Niang (story)
- RB Damien Williams (story)
Las Vegas Raiders
- LB Ukeme Eligwe
- CB D.J. Killings
- DE Jeremiah Valoaga
Los Angeles Rams
Miami Dolphins
- WR Allen Hurns (story)
- WR Albert Wilson (story)
Minnesota Vikings
- NT Michael Pierce (story)
New England Patriots
- RB Brandon Bolden (story)
- T Marcus Cannon (story)
- S Patrick Chung (story)
- LB Dont’a Hightower (story)
- WR Marqise Lee (story)
- OL Najee Toran
- FB Danny Vitale (story)
New Orleans Saints
- TE Jason Vander Laan
- TE Cole Wick
New York Giants
- CB Sam Beal
- WR Da’Mari Scott
- T Nate Solder (story)
- CB Shakial Taylor
New York Jets
- WR Josh Doctson
- OL Leo Koloamatangi
- LB C.J. Mosley (story)
Philadelphia Eagles
San Francisco 49ers
- WR Travis Benjamin (story)
- OL Jake Brendel
- T Shon Coleman
Seattle Seahawks
- G Chance Warmack (story)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- T Brad Seaton
Tennessee Titans
- OL Anthony McKinney
Washington Football Team
Free agents
- G Larry Warford (story)
Chiefs’ Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Opts Out Of 2020 NFL Season
Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif announced (via Twitter) that he will opt out of the upcoming season. Per the terms of the league’s agreement with the NFLPA, his decision is irrevocable. 
[RELATED: Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence Considering Opt Out]
Duvernay-Tardif, a medical school graduate, is the first player to exercise his right to opt out. He’s been volunteering at a long-term care facility in Quebec, Canada during the pandemic – after witnessing the impact of COVID-19 first-hand, LDT decided to play it safe and not play.
“This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make in my life, but I must follow my convictions and do what I believe is right for me personally,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “That is why I have decided to take the opt-out option negotiated by the league and the NFLPA and officially opt out of the 2020 NFL season. Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system. I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus to our communities simply to play the sport I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.
“I want to thank everyone in the Kansas City Chiefs organization for their support and understanding.”
Duvernay-Tardif was set to play on the five-year, $42.36MM extension he inked with the Chiefs following the 2016 season. Instead, his contract will toll, meaning that his deal will resume in 2021 and now extend through the 2022 season. This year, the Chiefs will undoubtedly miss having him up front. He’s been the club’s starter at right guard for the past five seasons, save for an injury-marred 2018.
Chiefs Restructure G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif’s Deal
The Chiefs have restructured the contract of guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, per Terez A. Paylor of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). There are not yet any details on the restructure, but it will create some much-needed cap room for cap-strapped KC.
LDT was scheduled to count for nearly $9MM against the Chiefs’ cap in 2020, $6.45MM of which was comprised of base salary. It’s possible that Kansas City converted some of that money into a signing bonus in order to spread out the hit over the remaining three years of Duvernay-Tardif’s deal.
The Quebec native was selected by Kansas City in the sixth round of the 2014 draft. By 2015, he had become the team’s full-time starter at right guard, and he inked a five-year, $42.36MM extension after the 2016 season. Though he missed a significant chunk of the 2018 campaign due to injury, he started all 14 regular season contests in which he appeared in 2019, and he also enjoyed perfect attendance in the team’s postseason run through Super Bowl LIV.
Though Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics didn’t love his 2019 performance, ranking him as just the 47th-best guard out of 81 qualified players, LDT is a key component of the Chiefs’ high-octane offense.
Chiefs Activate LDT, Cut Parker
The Chiefs activated guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif in advance of Sunday’s AFC Championship tilt against the Patriots (Twitter link via Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star). To make room for him on the roster, the Chiefs cut safety Ron Parker.
Duvernay-Tardif was forced to go on injured reserve in early October with a fractured fibula. In late December, however, he was designated for return.
Andrew Wylie has been Kansas City’s primary starter in Duvernay-Tardif’s absence. Things have gone well enough with Wylie in the front five, but the Chiefs’ best offensive line configuration has LDT, a recent medical school graduate, in the mix.
Parker, 31, has been with the Chiefs since 2013, although his KC run was briefly interruped in the offseason when he was released from a five-year, $30MM deal and later brought back at a lesser rate.
In the 2018 regular season, Parker wound up starting 14 of his 15 games and amassed 77 tackles, two interceptions, and a sack.
Chiefs G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif To Return To Practice
The Chiefs’ offense may soon receive some additional help. Guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif will practice on Wednesday, Andy Reid said (via the Kansas City Star’s Brooke Pryor, on Twitter).
Duvernay-Tardif has been on IR since early October with a fractured fibula. He can be activated in advance of Sunday’s game, if the Chiefs choose. He has missed the required eight weeks of action. If LDT can return this season and take his place back at right guard, it would reform Kansas City’s starting offensive line.
Since Duvernay-Tardif was last on the field, the Chiefs cut Kareem Hunt and have been without Sammy Watkins and Spencer Ware. Attached to a high-end guard contract, Duvernay-Tardif would be a welcome addition for a Chiefs team that has lost its past two games and likely needs to beat the Raiders on Sunday to secure home-field advantage for the first time since 1997.
Teams can activate players from IR in the playoffs, so the Chiefs would not have to bring Duvernay-Tardif onto their active roster in time for Sunday’s game. He has three weeks to be activated.
Andrew Wylie has been Kansas City’s primary starter in Duvernay-Tardif’s absence. The 2014 sixth-round pick and recent medical school graduate has started since his rookie season. He signed a five-year, $41.26MM extension early in 2017.
Chiefs Place LDT, Watts On IR
The Chiefs formally placed guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and defensive back Armani Watts on injured reserve. In a related move, the club brought back outside linebacker Frank Zombo.
Duvernay-Tardif was injured in the fourth quarter of the Chiefs’ 30-14 win over the Jaguars. As coach Andy Reid explained, the fibula is a non-weight bearing bone, so LDT should be able to heal up before the end of the season. Per league rules, he’ll have to spend at least eight weeks on the sidelines, meaning that he cannot return until Week 14, when the Chiefs face the Ravens. The Chiefs have their bye in Week 12, so Duvernay-Tardif might only miss seven games in total.
Watts, a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft, recorded one sack and two total tackles in five games this year. He’s just the latest Chiefs safety to succumb to injury thanks to a groin tear suffered against the Jaguars.
Zombo, 31, appeared in all of the Chiefs’ regular season games between 2013-2017. He started in 27 of those contests for KC and racked up 7.5 sacks for them in total.