The New England Patriots have made a surprising move to bolster their offensive line, signing former lineman Yasir Durant to a one-year contract. The 6’6”, 330-pound tackle, known for his imposing presence, is making a remarkable return to Foxborough after a standout season in the United Football League (UFL), where he established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen.
Durant’s journey back to the Patriots is nothing short of inspiring. Originally acquired by New England in 2021 via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs for a seventh-round draft pick, Durant appeared in seven games that season, including one start at right tackle. However, after being released following training camp in 2022, his NFL career took a detour. Over the next two seasons, he spent time with the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos but struggled to secure a permanent role.
Undeterred, Durant found a new opportunity in the UFL, joining the DC Defenders. Starting his UFL career at guard, he transitioned back to tackle midway through 2023 and quickly became a cornerstone of the Defenders’ offensive line. Holding down the left tackle position, Durant started every game and played a pivotal role in leading the Defenders to a championship title. His dominant performance earned him a spot on the All-UFL team, with many considering him the league’s top offensive lineman this past season.
Now, Durant returns to a Patriots team looking to solidify its offensive front. The tackle depth chart is led by No. 4 overall draft pick Will Campbell and veteran Morgan Moses, but Durant is poised to compete for a backup role alongside Caedan Wallace, Vederian Lowe—who is recovering from shoulder surgery—Demontrey Jacobs, and rookie Marcus Bryant. Additionally, Durant’s versatility could prove valuable at guard, especially with the starting left guard position still up for grabs following veteran Wes Schweitzer’s recent placement on the reserve/retired list.
The signing fills an open spot on New England’s 90-man roster and signals the team’s intent to add experienced depth to a critical unit. Durant’s combination of size, athleticism, and recent success in the UFL makes him a compelling addition as the Patriots prepare for the upcoming season.
Fans are buzzing about Durant’s comeback, eager to see if the “6’6” monster” can translate his UFL dominance to the NFL stage once again. With training camp on the horizon, all eyes will be on Durant as he fights for a spot and aims to cement his place in New England’s storied franchise.