The New York Jets claimed offensive lineman Conor McDermott off waivers from their AFC East rival Buffalo Bills
The New York Jets offensive line has struggled to open up lanes for Le’Veon Bell and to keep their various quarterbacks upright this season. While the team is unlikely to find a starting-caliber lineman midseason, they can add to their depth at the position.
The team did that on Friday afternoon. They announced on Twitter that they claimed Conor McDermott off waivers from the Buffalo Bills.
Bronson Kaufusi was waived by the Jets in a move to clear a roster spot.
We've claimed OL Conor McDermott and waived DL Bronson Kaufusi.
? https://t.co/Caj2gnh1xM pic.twitter.com/y12pya9qwp
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 4, 2019
McDermott joins his third AFC East team, as he was a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2017. He was waived at the end of that training camp and got claimed by the Bills. He’s been with them until they waived him. He appeared in eight games with the Bills between 2017 and 2018, but has not been active on game day this season.
He’s unlikely to see starts this season, but with Kelechi Osemele dealing with an injury (he’s doubtful for Sunday’s game), McDermott gives the team an option if there are any more injuries. He played his college football at UCLA.
Kaufusi spent 2016 on the Baltimore Ravens injured reserve before making the team in 2017. He failed to make the roster in 2018 and was signed to the Jets practice squad. He split time that year between the team’s practice squad and 53-man roster, appearing in three games for the team.
He impressed in training camp this summer, and made the roster. He appeared in each of the first three games, recording half a sack and three tackles, with two quarterback hits.
However, with Leonard Williams, Quinnen Wiliams, Henry Anderson and Steve McLendon all employed, playing time was always going to be sporadic for Kaufusi.
